Ateneo De Manila University campus in Katipunan, Quezon City in this photo taken on May 26, 2023. Gigie Cruz, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA -- The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has formally concluded its investigation into the drowning deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora last month.
The NBI earlier recommended the filing of criminal charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against former Ateneo men's basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and 11 others in connection with the deaths of Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Chukwuemeka Adili.
The bureau found probable cause to recommend charges ranging from reckless imprudence resulting in homicide to simple negligence resulting in homicide based on its investigation.
READ: NBI recommends charges vs Baldwin, others tagged in Baterbonia, Adili deaths
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the bureau has already completed its role and that the case now rests with the DOJ for evaluation.
"The NBI's role is already finished. It is now in the hands of the DOJ to determine its findings. But if the DOJ calls on us, we are ready to appear," Matibag said.
He stressed that the NBI's recommendation was based solely on the evidence gathered during the investigation and in accordance with the law.
"It will always be driven by the evidence, by law, and by the process. But of course, the final say still rests with the DOJ," he said.
The DOJ said Monday that the recommendations made by the NBI and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) have been consolidated.
No cases have been officially filed in court.