The Department of Justice (DOJ) directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to form a special task force to conduct a “thorough, comprehensive, and impartial” investigation into the drowning of Ateneo men’s basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili in Dipaculao, Aurora.

In a press statement dated June 10, the DOJ said it is taking note of the fatal incident that claimed the lives of the two student-athletes during a team-building activity at a resort in Dipaculao.

The DOJ instructed the NBI Central Office to create a task force that will look into the circumstances surrounding the drowning. The agency said the investigation will determine whether there is sufficient basis to recommend the filing of charges before the DOJ.

“The DOJ remains committed to ensuring that the facts are fully established and that justice is served,” the statement said.

The directive comes as local authorities in Dipaculao also conduct a parallel investigation into the incident.

Officials of Dipaculao earlier said they would undertake an independent probe into safety and coordination protocols related to the resort activity involving members of the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.

Meanwhile, the resort where the group was staying has been temporarily closed while the investigation is ongoing, local officials said.

The incident occurred during a team-building activity in Aurora province, where the two athletes reportedly drowned.