MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it has obtained the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage at the beach resort in Dipaculao, Aurora where the two Ateneo de Manila University basketball players drowned.
In a statement, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., PNP chief, said the case was being investigated based on evidence and forensic procedures.
“CCTV footage from the area has already been recovered to help reconstruct the sequence of events,” he said. “We have been communicating with all parties concerned and coordinating with other investigating agencies in relation to this incident,” Nartatez said.
Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili were participating in a teambuilding activity at a beach resort in Dipaculao, Aurora on Monday afternoon when they were supposedly swept away by a current, police said.
“The unfortunate incident involving two college basketball players should not be a topic of online hate and debate. Let us show respect to the families, and trust the ongoing process of finding out what really happened,” Nartatez said.
“We urge our netizens to be responsible by refraining from speculations and sharing unverified stories and reports. Allow us to do our job and we assure of our commitment to finish the investigation in the soonest possible time,” he added.
Nartatez ordered a more thorough investigation into the incident, assuring all stakeholders that there would be no cover-up in the probe.
Ateneo previously extended its condolences and support to Baterbonia and Adili’s families.
Baterbonia, 19, recently played in the Palarong Pambansa finals two weeks ago and was committed to the Blue Eagles program.
Adili, 21, a Nigerian foreign student athlete, played in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament last year.
