 |
| The PSC will convene its stakeholders' panel on Wednesday regarding the drowning incident involving Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili in Dipaculao. FilOil EcoOil Sports (file photo) |
MANILA—The Philippine Sports Commission will not waste time in taking a look at the events that led to the tragic passing of Ateneo players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili and will convene the stakeholders' panel immediately.
PSC chairman Pato Gregorio confirmed on Tuesday that the first meeting of the panel will take place on Wednesday.
He then said that the panel will consist of him, commissioner for basketball Fritz Gaston, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy, Commission on Higher Education chairman Shirley Agrupis, UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag and Adamson representative Aldrin Suan, National Youth Commission chairman Jeff Ortega, and Department of Education undersecretary Malcolm Garma.
"These are the people who will meet tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. as we pursue this very difficult and painful process para malaman natin kung paano tayo makikipagtulungan," Gregorio said in an emergency press conference that took place at the PSC Conference Hall at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Gregorio then clarified that while the panel is designed to help the Philippine National Police and Department of Justice in their ongoing investigation about what led to the death of Baterbonia and Adili, the panel is formed to find ways for teams to do their training camps safely and not to drag someone with criminal liability for the drowning incident.
"The PSC is not an investigative task force or panel. We are here to help address this concern," Gregorio added, acknowledging the grievances of the Ateneo community and the families of both Baterbonia and Adili.
"Kailangang gawin namin ang proseso na ito para hindi na maulit."
Meanwhile, acting PNP Aurora director Percival Pineda said that any form of foul play has been ruled out in its ongoing probe on the death of Baterbonia and Adili.
"Base po sa ating nakuhang salaysay ng mga kasama niya, itong insidente na ito ay talagang purely accident. Natural accident po yung pangyayari. Hindi po talaga inaasahan. Sa ngayon wala tayong nakikitang foul play sa aksidente na ito," Pineda said in a press conference in Baler.
The announcement came amid a growing backlash regarding one training regimen of coach Tab Baldwin in which his players have to strengthen their legs by walking through seawater.
The backlash was bolstered by excerpts of podcast interviews where former Blue Eagles shared their stories of the said training and how grueling it can be.
