The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to submit its final investigation report to the Department of Justice (DOJ) next week regarding the drowning deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University basketball players.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced that authorities plan to conclude the probe this week.
His statement followed the appearance of additional Ateneo players before the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Thursday, June 18, to submit their sworn statements.
“We are still gathering the facts. The report is not complete but tomorrow, those scheduled are coaches and probably by Tuesday (June 23) we would bring the full report to the DOJ,” Remulla said.
Former Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin is also expected to meet with CIDG investigators. Remulla clarified that the PNP has the authority to cite Baldwin in contempt if he fails to show up.
According to the DILG chief, the inquiry has progressed smoothly, noting that the athletes, their parents, and legal counsels have been fully cooperative with authorities. The final report will contain the CIDG’s formal findings and legal recommendations.
The investigation seeks to uncover the exact circumstances behind the deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili to determine if there is criminal liability.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that while investigators are still reviewing the gathered evidence, they are moving toward a definitive conclusion regarding potential charges.
“We cannot still say at this point but we are leading to that,” Nartatez said when asked if the PNP may recommend the filing of criminal cases.
Authorities previously revealed that they are investigating whether the incident involved infractions under the Anti-Hazing Law.
“There is a possibility that they can probably be indicted for violation of the Anti-Hazing Law,” Nartatez said.
To accelerate the high-profile probe, the PNP chief noted that nearly all available investigators have been assigned to the case.
Immigration Lookout Order Issued
Meanwhile, the DOJ issued an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against Baldwin and four other members of the university’s basketball coaching staff.
Bureau of Immigration (BI) spokesperson Dana Sandoval confirmed that the names of Baldwin, Christopher “Epok” Quimpo, Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., Dean Castaño, and Sandro Soriano have been added to the bureau’s database to track their international travel.
“If encountered, officers are instructed to coordinate and promptly inform the appropriate government agencies in order to obtain other relevant information that may be the basis for the proper course of action to be taken,” Sandoval said.