MANILA — Police investigators are preparing to recommend criminal charges against several members of the Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball coaching staff following the drowning deaths of two student-athletes during a team-building activity in Aurora province.
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Wednesday that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is expected to recommend charges against 10 to 11 coaches and staff members after reviewing evidence gathered in the probe.
“We have a case, and it’s up to the prosecution to file a case. The PNP will refer the investigation records to the prosecution together with our recommendations,” Nartatez said.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the investigation into the June 8 incident is already in its final stages and may be submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) by Friday.
“Our investigation is almost finished. It is pretty conclusive. On Friday, we will submit it to the DOJ for the filing of the case,” Remulla said.
According to Remulla, investigators have interviewed nearly 100 individuals and compiled more than 1,200 pages of sworn statements.
He added that CIDG investigators are expected to interview Ateneo President Fr. Roberto “Bobby” Yap, Vice President for Administration Fr. Nemesio Que, and MVP Sports Foundation chairman and trustee Manny Pangilinan before the report is finalized.
The case stems from the deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who drowned during an off-campus basketball team-building activity at a beach resort in Dipaculao, Aurora.
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