The investigation into the deaths of Ateneo basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili has entered a new phase, with authorities now openly considering whether the case could result in charges under the Anti-Hazing Law.
More than a week after the tragic drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, the focus of the probe is expanding beyond reconstructing what happened on June 8. Investigators are now examining whether elements of the activity itself may have crossed legal boundaries.
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. revealed on Thursday that the possibility of filing Anti-Hazing Law charges remains on the table as authorities continue piecing together testimonies from players, coaches, staff members, and school officials.
“There’s a possibility that probably there can be an indictment for violation of the Anti-Hazing Law,” Nartatez said.
“That’s why we are investigating. Ang hazing naman, not necessarily physical contact or what — pagka merong emotional, ‘yun, puwede rin.”
The statement signals a significant development in a case that has already prompted widespread calls for accountability from both the Ateneo community and the public.
Over the past several days, current and former members of the Blue Eagles program have appeared before the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) at Camp Crame to provide their accounts of the events surrounding the fatal incident.
Among those who have cooperated with investigators are former Ateneo standouts Mike Nieto, Geo Chiu, and Dom Escobar, along with current players Kieffer Alas, Ian Espinosa, Andrew Bongo, and Shawn Tuano. Assistant coach Sandro Soriano also appeared before investigators on Thursday.
The list of witnesses is expected to grow, with former head coach Tab Baldwin scheduled to provide his statement as authorities continue collecting information from everyone involved in the training camp.
According to Nartatez, investigators are now in the process of comparing testimonies and identifying consistencies and discrepancies among the statements submitted.
“When I checked and nagbigay ng briefing nung Director ng CIDG and the rest of the investigators, ‘di pa nakukumpleto yung group because may mga personal din silang mga trabaho or ginagawa—some are abroad, kaya ‘di pa nakukumpleto,” Nartatez said. “But soon, makukumpleto din sila, including their testimonies, kasi cooperative naman sila. They should cooperate.
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The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group is looking into possible homicide or hazing charges in connection with the deaths of Ateneo basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a training camp in Aurora.
CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II said… pic.twitter.com/Yh6Oyul5xO
— Daily Tribune (@tribunephl) June 17, 2026
“Basically, pare-parehas lang naman yung sinasabi nila, and, of course, even the minute details ay makikita natin. That’s why we are comparing it to one another — dapat yun maging consistent kasi siyempre, merong student, merong player, merong part of the school, merong yung coach, merong yung staff. So, kukumpletuhin natin, so about eighty percent confirmed.”
As investigators move closer to completing their fact-finding efforts, attention is also shifting toward possible institutional accountability.
Nartatez disclosed that authorities have observed circumstances that could indicate shortcomings within the university’s system of supervision and oversight, although he stopped short of identifying specific individuals or offices that may be held responsible.
The PNP chief likewise confirmed that investigators will soon seek formal statements from the families of Baterbonia and Adili as part of the continuing inquiry.
While no charges have been filed at this stage, authorities believe the investigation is steadily moving toward that point.
“We are leading to that. ‘Di pa natin masasabi, but we are leading to that,” Nartatez said.
“Kailangan pa ng investigation — ‘yan din naman ang sasabihin ng Director. ‘Di pa natin masabi kung with definite numbers, kung sino, at saka anong case.”
With testimonies still being gathered and multiple investigations underway, the case remains far from closed. But for the first time since the tragedy, authorities have publicly acknowledged that potential criminal liability—including possible violations of the Anti-Hazing Law—is now part of the conversation.
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