By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan has submitted an affidavit to the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in connection with its investigation into the deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes, with authorities saying his personal appearance is no longer necessary.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Thursday that CIDG Director Robert Morico informed Pangilinan’s legal team that the businessman no longer needs to appear before investigators because the case build-up is nearing completion.
“CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico informed the lawyers of MVP that his presence is no longer needed since the case build-up is almost complete. His affidavit was enough,” Remulla said in a text message to reporters.
The Interior chief did not disclose the contents of Pangilinan’s affidavit.
Pangilinan had earlier been summoned by the CIDG to explain the role of the MVP Sports Foundation, the sports development arm of his business group, in the Ateneo men’s basketball program.
The investigation stems from the deaths of Ateneo basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who drowned after being swept away by strong waves during a team training activity along the shoreline of Dipaculao, Aurora, earlier this month.
Morico previously said investigators were looking into information indicating that the MVP Sports Foundation allegedly played a role in planning the Ateneo men’s basketball program.
However, the foundation has maintained that its involvement was limited solely to providing financial support for the university’s basketball program and that it had no operational role in organizing training activities.
The CIDG is expected to complete its investigation before determining whether criminal charges will be filed in connection with the tragic incident.
ia/xf
