Ateneo Drowning Tragedy: Latest Updates on Manny Pangilinan’s Affidavit, CIDG Probe & RAPS Investigation

The Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has formally summoned Manny Pangilinan, the owner of the Ateneo de Manila University basketball team, to testify in the ongoing investigation into the drowning deaths of three players during a training session in Baterbonia, Batangas. Pangilinan submitted an affidavit to the probe on Friday, according to Inquirer.net, as authorities seek to clarify his role in the incident that has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and sports officials.

Three Ateneo players—Jovan Baterbonia, 18, and two unnamed teammates—died after being swept away by strong currents during a training exercise in the Taal Volcano area on January 13. The incident has reignited debates over safety protocols in youth sports, with lawmakers calling for stricter regulations. The CIDG has also taken statements from Baterbonia’s mother, who described the tragedy as “accidental but avoidable,” according to Inquirer.net.

Why are officials targeting Pangilinan?

Pangilinan, a prominent businessman and former basketball player, has faced scrutiny over the team’s preparedness for the training session. While the CIDG has not accused him of negligence, sources close to the investigation say officials are examining whether proper risk assessments were conducted before the players entered the river. The probe follows a similar inquiry launched by the Philippine Sports Commission, which has suspended all Ateneo basketball activities pending the outcome.

What happens next in the investigation?

The CIDG has scheduled further hearings with key witnesses, including coaches and team staff, to determine whether institutional failures contributed to the deaths. Meanwhile, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has expressed “deep concern,” with commissioner Willie Marcial stating that the league will collaborate with authorities to ensure such tragedies are prevented. Marcial’s remarks came after the PBA’s own safety review found that the Ateneo team had not undergone mandatory pre-season risk evaluations.

How does this compare to past sports tragedies in the Philippines?

The drowning incident echoes a 2019 tragedy involving the University of Santo Tomas basketball team, where three players died in a bus accident linked to overcrowding and poor maintenance. In that case, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed charges against university officials for gross negligence. Legal experts now warn that the Ateneo probe could set a precedent for holding sports administrators accountable for safety lapses, particularly in high-risk training environments.

Pangilinan has not publicly commented on the investigation. The CIDG has not set a deadline for concluding its probe, though lawmakers have urged authorities to expedite the process. The case remains under review by the Department of Justice, which will determine whether criminal charges are warranted.