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| The deafening silence regarding Rene Baterbonia's passing and also that of Divine Adili is not Ateneo-like according to congressman Joel Chua. FilOil EcoOil Sports (file photo) |
QUEZON CITY—The concerns surrounding the drowning incident of Ateneo players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili has already reached the House of Representatives as at least one congressman shared his disappointment that until now, neither the university nor head coach Tab Baldwin has spoken up about the said tragedy.
House committee on good government and public accountability chairman Joel Chua said on Friday that he agrees with Philippine Sports Commission chairman Pato Gregorio that Ateneo should already clear the air on the drowning incident in Dipaculao, Aurora that led to the death of Baterbonia and Adili.
"I share the frustrations of PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio. Public patience is wearing thin. The silence of Ateneo de Manila University and Coach Tab Baldwin on specifics of the deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili is unjust and offends the Filipino basketball-loving people. Each day of silence adds fuel to growing suspicions and fears that a cover-up has been underway since Monday when the student-athletes drowned," Chua said.
The Manila third district representative added that whoever botched the safety protocols during the "boot camp" at the said coastal town that cost the lives of Baterbonia and Adili should be "held accountable and liable administratively, civilly, and criminally."
Chua also thinks Ateneo's decision to keep mum on the issue is the opposite of what the college has been advocating for many years.
"Ateneo is a staunch advocate of social justice and human rights. It is an educational institution of Jesuits. It is uncharacteristic of Ateneo, its officials, and the coaching staff to be silent on this. They must walk their talk," Chua further said, adding that he is far from satisfied with the statements released by the school during the week as he believes they are still leaving some questions unanswered.
Chua also thinks Ateneo's decision to approve Baldwin's leave of absence as well as that of team manager Epok Quimpo may not help in the ongoing investigation as he believes it could keep them from speaking up or even attend the inquiries all along.
"The leave of absence of Baldwin and Quimpo runs counter to ensuring their availability to the investigations underway. Immigration, airport, and airline authorities must be vigilant now," Chua added, further saying that they must cooperate with the investigation since a hazing angle is already in play.
In his first appearance since the incident, Baldwin joined his players in a candle-lighting prayer vigil on Thursday night inside the Ateneo campus to remember both Baterbonia and Adili.
An insider report also claimed that Baldwin will finally address the incident in a statement on Friday, but as of posting, no such statement has been obtained.
Meanwhile, Chua also called on Dipaculao's local government unit led by mayor Danilo Tolentino and also Aurora governor Isidro Galban "to help secure the cooperation of the local first responders, rescuers, and resort management."
"Their testimony recorded in sworn affidavits is necessary to ascertain the facts. We need eyewitness accounts of the sea conditions at the resort and of the rescue operations," Chua added.
His statement ended by saying the resort where the Blue Eagles stayed during their team-building event may also need to be liable.
