CIDG reconstructs scene of Ateneo players' drowning in Aurora

Photo courtesy of CIDG

MANILA — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Tuesday conducted a scene reconstruction in connection with the drowning of two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8.

The reconstruction, conducted with members of the Dipaculao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), seeks to establish the circumstances that led to the death of Rene Baterbonia, 18, and Divine Adili, 21.

Investigators examined sea conditions at the time of the incident, the location of the shoreline at high tide, the positions of the players, coaches, and witnesses based on security footage and testimony, and the victims’ distance and depth in the water.

“The Investigating Team deployed and utilized SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging) to map underwater topography and depth, and 3D scanner to capture highly accurate spatial data of the shoreline and scene,” the CIDG said in a statement.

CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II said the deployment of investigators to the beach resort in Barangay Libis was coordinated with the MDRRMO, which sent rescuers during the June 8 incident.

“We assure the public that the investigators are leaving no stone unturned, and meticulously examine every piece of evidence, every scientific data point, and every witness account to ensure that justice is served to the victims,” Morico said.

He added that the reconstruction aims to analyze sea conditions, measure tide lines, map the victims’ locations, and determine how far they were from shore and the depth of the water at their locations.

“Our investigators also conducted a thorough safety audit to validate the presence of warning signages and required emergency safety measures along the beachfront area,” Morico said.

As part of the ongoing investigation, the CIDG has summoned former and current Ateneo basketball players, as well as members of the coaching staff. Former head coach Tab Baldwin appeared before investigators last week.

Police earlier said they are looking into possible violations of the Anti-Hazing Act in connection with the incident.

(By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)