MANILA, Philippines — Several lawmakers have called for "restraint" in discussing the drowning of two Ateneo de Manila University basketball players while also calling for a more thorough investigation by authorities.
Rene Clert Bartebonia and Divine Adili drowned during a team building activity in Aurora.
In a statement, Bagong Henerasyon Partylist Rep. Robert Nazal said that as an Ateneo alumnus, he was "grieving" alongside their families, teammates, friends, coaches, and the entire Ateneo community.
"The values instilled in us by a Jesuit education teach us to place service before self, to uphold the dignity of every person, and to stand with those who are suffering," Nazal added.
He said that he trusted the Ateneo, guided by its Jesuit tradition of service, compassion, and respect for human dignity, "will continue to stand by the families and ensure that the circumstances surrounding this tragedy are examined thoroughly, fairly, and transparently,".
"The truth must be established with honesty, accountability, and care for those most affected," he said.
He called on the public to "exercise restraint and responsibility in discussing this tragedy" as speculation, rumors, and unverified information did not help uncover the truth, nor do they ease the suffering of those mourning and they instead risk adding to the burden already being carried by the families
"Let us allow the proper processes to take their course while extending to the families the compassion, respect, and privacy they deserve," Nazal said.
Meanwhile, Manila Rep. Joel Chua called on the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a parallel probe.
In a statement, Chua said that the deaths of two young athletes with bright futures ahead demanded answers
"Their families deserve the truth. The Filipino people deserve the truth," Chua added.
He urged the NBI to conduct a full forensic investigation into the incident and establish a clear timeline of events leading to the deaths, noting that they have some of the most experienced forensic and fact-finding investigators in the country.
"They must establish a clear timeline of events and determine exactly what happened, who made the decisions, what activities were conducted, what safety measures were in place, and whether established protocols were followed."
