THE DEPARTMENT of Justice (DOJ) has directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to form a task force to investigate the drowning incident that claimed the lives of two Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball players in Aurora.

The victims were identified as Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

The DOJ said the probe aims to establish the facts surrounding the incident and determine whether there is sufficient basis to recommend the filing of charges before the Department.

“As part of its investigation, the NBI will determine whether there is sufficient basis to recommend the filing of charges before the DOJ. The DOJ remains committed to ensuring that the facts are fully established and that justice is served,” the agency said.

The incident occurred during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, where Baterbonia and Adili, both members of the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team, drowned and died.