Investigators from the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have obtained the sworn statement of the mother of late Ateneo de Manila University basketball player Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia as part of their ongoing probe into the drowning deaths of two student-athletes in Aurora province.
In a statement Thursday, the CIDG said its personnel traveled to Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, to interview Baterbonia’s mother, Rovelyn Baterbonia.
“The CIDG obtained the official sworn testimony of Mrs. Rovelyn Baterbonia, the mother of the late Rene Clert ‘Bobet’ Baterbonia, inside the San Agustin Gymnasium, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, duly assisted by her counsel, Atty. Kenneth D. Minglana,” the agency said.
The CIDG said the testimony is being consolidated and will form part of the evidence to be submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for possible filing of criminal complaints.
Baterbonia and fellow Ateneo player Divine Adili died after being swept away by strong waves during a team-building activity along the shoreline of Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8.
The CIDG launched an investigation into the incident, looking into possible homicide charges and potential violations of Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said the CIDG was expected to submit its findings to the DOJ on June 26 after interviewing nearly 100 individuals and gathering about 1,200 pages of testimonies.
“The CIDG assures the family and the public that it is handling the active case with absolute thoroughness, transparency, and urgency to ensure that accountability is established and justice is properly served,” the agency said.
