PNP Chief Plt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. – Photo courtesy of the Office of the Chief PNP/Facebook.
The Philippine National Police pledged a fair and independent investigation into the deaths of Ateneo de Manila University basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who drowned during a team activity in Aurora.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said Friday that investigators would work to establish the facts behind the incident, which has drawn public attention and fueled speculation online.
He said the families of the two athletes and the public deserved a clear account of what happened.
Nartatez also assured that due process would be observed as authorities looked into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Baterbonia and Adili drowned on Monday afternoon, June 8, while taking part in a reported training activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, according to provincial police.
Police said the activity was held along the shoreline about 300 meters from a beach resort.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group issued subpoenas on Thursday to the Ateneo team members and coaching staff who were present during the activity.
Nartatez said the PNP expected full cooperation from all players, coaches, and other individuals summoned as the investigation sought to determine accountability and provide answers on the fatal drowning.