Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said investigators have noted inconsistencies in the statements given by members and coaching staff of the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team as authorities continue to investigate the deaths of two of its players.
Remulla did not elaborate on the specific discrepancies found by investigators, but said the varying accounts may be due to the different perspectives of those present during the incident.
According to the DILG chief, the players were in the water while members of the coaching staff were onshore, which may have affected how they witnessed and later described the events.
Remulla also underscored the importance of the testimony of Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin, saying that many of the decisions made during the team’s training camp were under his authority.
Asked whether investigators had already identified possible violations committed by the coaching staff, Remulla declined to comment and said the public should wait for the completion of the investigation.
The probe remains ongoing.
Earlier, students of Ateneo de Manila University called on the school administration to ensure accountability, transparency, and justice following the deaths of basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
Baterbonia and Adili died in a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Aurora on June 8.
