The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday said the Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has begun a full investigation into the drowning of two Ateneo de Manila University basketball players during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, including a review of possible violations of the Anti-Hazing Act.
In a statement, the DILG said subpoenas have been issued to coaches and players who were present during the June 8 activity as investigators seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
The department said the fact-finding inquiry includes examining whether Republic Act 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, may have been violated.
The DILG extended its condolences to the families of Baterbonia and Adili, as well as to the Ateneo community, describing the deaths of the two student-athletes as "a tragedy that the nation shares."
The agency stressed that all individuals involved in the incident are expected to cooperate fully with investigators, adding that due process will be observed throughout the probe.
"Accountability will be enforced wherever the facts lead," the DILG said.
The statement came as authorities widened investigations into the incident that claimed the lives of the two athletes during a team-building exercise in Aurora province.
The DILG also appealed to the public to avoid speculation while investigations are ongoing, saying a thorough and impartial inquiry is necessary to establish the facts and give justice to the victims and their families.
The department said respect for the grieving families and the integrity of the investigation should remain paramount as authorities continue their work.
