DOJ consolidating NBI, CIDG reports on Ateneo drowning deaths

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is consolidating the findings submitted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on the deaths of Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida clarified on Monday that the NBI did not submit a recommendation but a referral report that will be evaluated alongside the CIDG's earlier complaint.

"Actually, it's not a recommendation. They referred to us their report," Vida said.

According to Vida, the DOJ has received both submissions and is reviewing them as part of a single proceeding before determining how to proceed.

The NBI previously referred its findings after concluding its investigation into the drowning deaths during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on 8 June. It sought the filing of reckless imprudence resulting in homicidecharges against former Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin, six assistant coaches, and the team's physical therapist, while recommending simple negligence resulting in homicide charges against three resort owners and the university's athletic director.

Separately, the CIDG endorsed charges against Baldwin and 10 others, citing alleged violations of the Anti-Hazing Act, as well as possible homicide and reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.

The DOJ is expected to determine whether the consolidated evidence warrants a preliminary investigation and the filing of criminal charges.