MANILA — Former Ateneo Blue Eagles player Dave Ildefonso believes the drowning deaths during a team-building activity in Aurora earlier this month were accidental but could have been prevented.
Ildefonso was among those who appeared before the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Thursday as authorities continue investigating the deaths of Ateneo student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
“It was accidental, but I think rin that they could have been more prepared kasi there's a lot of factors din sa ocean. If it was in a more controlled environment, syempre, feel ko naman maiiwasan ‘yun,” Ildefonso said.
“I think may mga pagkukulang, may mga pagkakamali. Pero, what's done is done na. I'll just look forward to what will transpire in the next few days,” he added.
Ildefonso clarified that he never participated in any team-building activities in Aurora during his stint with Ateneo from 2020 to 2022.
NBI: Autopsy reports of Ateneo's Baterbonia, Adili ready
He said activities outside the university were canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic. Training sessions were conducted exclusively inside the Ateneo campus.
He said he has no first-hand knowledge of the drills allegedly conducted in Aurora and only learned about them through stories shared by former teammates and alumni, including his brother.
“Like they would swim, parang military training… just for mental and physical toughness. Other than that, wala naman akong alam and I don’t think there was any foul play or whatsoever,” he explained.
Ildefonso was also asked about former Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin, whom he described as one of the best coaches he has played for.
He said their relationship was always professional and that he could only speak about Baldwin in his capacity as a basketball coach.
Meanwhile, MVP Sports Foundation chairman Manny Pangilinan did not personally appear before the CIDG on Thursday.
NBI to finish probe on Ateneo drowning incident by Friday
“[CIDG director] Gen. [Robert Alexander] Morico informed the lawyers of MVP that his presence is no longer needed since the case buildup is almost complete. His affidavit was enough,” Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in a text message.
The CIDG is expected to submit its findings and case referrals to the Department of Justice on Friday.