Ateneo de Manila University Athletics Director Em Fernandez had no involvement in the planning and execution of the team-building and training activity in Aurora that resulted in the deaths of two basketball players, his lawyer said on Monday.

Speaking after Fernandez appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), lawyer Peter Castillo stressed that his client neither organized nor attended the June 8 activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

“We’d rather not comment because he did not participate anyway,” said Castillo.

The athletics director declined to answer questions from reporters, but his legal counsel confirmed that he had submitted a sworn statement to authorities.

“Nagsubmit [kami] ng affidavit. It’s with them already,” lawyer Peter Castillo said.

Asked to react to an earlier statement by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) that the incident was not accidental, Castillo maintained that his client had no participation in the activity and declined further comment.

“Nobody wants the tragedy to happen. We will leave it to the investigators,” he said.

The lawyer also extended condolences to the families of Ateneo basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who died in the incident.

Castillo said Fernandez is prepared to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, former Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin appeared before the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on the same day for a clarificatory hearing concerning his Alien Employment Permit (AEP).