The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group will no longer discuss the merits of the case it referred against 11 individuals over the death of Ateneo student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, its chief said Tuesday.
CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II said the Department of Justice is now reviewing the complaint for violation of the anti-hazing law, which the CIDG endorsed last Friday against the suspects led by resigned Ateneo basketball coach Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin.
Baterbonia and Adili drowned during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, last June 8.
“I will not discuss the merits of the case because the case is already filed with the Department of Justice, referred, I mean,” Morico told reporters in an interview at Camp Crame.
“The Department of Justice is already conducting an investigation, and the CIDG will work closely with the prosecutors,” said Morico, adding that the CIDG will provide the evidence required by prosecutors.
Morico also declined to comment on Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla’s statement last Monday that four student managers and ball boys could be excluded from the case and turned into witnesses.
“I’m not answering…As I have said, I will not discuss the merits of the case. The job of the CIDG is to investigate, not to interpret the law,” said Morico.
Morico said the CIDG conducted “an exhaustive investigation” into the incident.
“We have an airtight case (of violation of) anti-hazing law, including all other offenses that might have been committed, such as homicide or reckless imprudence resulting in homicide,” said Morico.
He also disclosed that CIDG officials are set to meet privately with members of the Baterbonia family at Camp Crame.
Morico said the private meeting has two objectives.
“One is to inform them of the result of our investigation because they have the right to know,” said Morico.
“Second is to assure them that in all stages of prosecution, if this one goes to trial, the CIDG will be there to continuously follow up this case because you know that trial takes time,” said Morico.