The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has formed a special task force to deeply investigate the tragic drowning incident that claimed the lives of Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
In a statement released on Thursday, June 11, the NBI said the team will examine “all angles“ surrounding the tragedy and also focuses on “the question of whether foul play is indeed absent” following the initial findings of the Aurora Police Provincial Office.
While acknowledging the work of local investigators, the NBI stressed its obligation to conduct an independent review based on evidence and circumstances.
“Our respect for the work of the local police does not displace the Bureau’s duty to satisfy itself, independently and upon the evidence, of every circumstance surrounding this tragedy,” the NBI said.
“It is important for the public to understand what a finding of "no foul play" does and does not resolve," it said.
The agency cited Article 365 of the Revised Penal Code, explaining that deaths resulting from reckless or simple imprudence may still constitute a criminal matter even in the absence of intent to cause harm.
“Such a finding speaks to the absence of intentional harm. It does not, by itself, answer a separate and equally consequential question under our laws: whether these deaths resulted from negligence in the conduct of the activity,” it said.
“Under Article 365 of the Revised Penal Code, death caused by reckless or simple imprudence is a criminal matter wholly independent of any intent to harm. An event may be “accidental” in the sense that no one wished it, and yet remain the product of a failure to exercise the care the law demands,” the NBI added.
The NBI also underscored that its investigation is not being directed at any institution based on reputation or status, but will focus strictly on conduct, facts, and legal standards. It emphasized that organizers of sanctioned activities owe participants the “diligence of a good father of a family,” referring to the duty of ordinary care under the Civil Code.
Among the matters being reviewed are the assessment of sea conditions, safety measures in place during the activity, and supervision protocols leading up to the incident.
The bureau further stated that prestigious institutions are neither exempt from scrutiny nor targeted because of their standing, stressing that the investigation will proceed without prejudice.
“We will proceed with objectivity, without prejudgment, and in full coordination with the Philippine National Police and the appropriate authorities,” it noted.
We ask the public to refrain from speculation that prejudices either the families or those who may become the subject of inquiry, and to allow the facts to be established with the care this loss deserves,” the NBI said.
The task force has been directed to submit an initial progress report within 10 days of its creation, with weekly updates to follow until the investigation is completed.
“This order takes effect immediately and shall remain in force until further orders,” it said.
The victims reportedly drowned during a team-building trip in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8. Authorities have ruled out foul play, with the local police describing the incident as a “purely accidental” drowning.
