Police investigators used sonar technology and 3D scanning equipment to reconstruct the drowning of two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes in Dipaculao, Aurora, as part of an ongoing investigation into the tragedy.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), together with the Dipaculao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, conducted a site inspection on Tuesday, June 23, at the beach where basketball players Rene Baterbonia, 18, and Divine Adili, 21, drowned during a team-building activity on June 8.
Investigators examined sea conditions, tide levels, the location of the shoreline during high tide, and the positions of the victims, coaches and witnesses based on security footage and testimonies.
“The Investigating Team deployed and utilized SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging) to map underwater topography and depth, and 3D scanner to capture highly accurate spatial data of the shoreline and scene,” the CIDG said in a statement.
CIDG chief Robert Alexander Morico said the reconstruction aims to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the drowning, including how far the victims were from shore and the depth of the water where they were swept away.
“We assure the public that the investigators are leaving no stone unturned, and meticulously examine every piece of evidence, every scientific data point, and every witness account to ensure that justice is served to the victims,” Morico said.
The investigation team also conducted a safety audit to determine whether warning signs and emergency safety measures were in place at the beachfront resort in Barangay Ibis.
The CIDG has already summoned former and current Ateneo basketball players, as well as members of the coaching staff, as part of its inquiry.
Authorities earlier said they are also looking into possible violations of the Anti-Hazing Act in connection with the incident.
