Quezon city: The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has proposed filing charges against 11 members of the Ateneo de Manila University men's basketball coaching staff, including former head coach Tab Baldwin. The charges are in connection with the June 8 drowning of two student-athletes during a team-building event in Aurora province.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced that the PNP-CIDG has recommended a case build-up and preliminary investigation to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for alleged violations of Republic Act 11053, known as the Anti-Hazing Act. The charges would be directed at those involved in the planning and execution of hazing activities. Remulla emphasized that the issue extends beyond training or hazing, touching upon the rights of the players. He expressed hope that the incident serves as a lesson for all organizations that hazing cannot be taken lightly.
In addition to Baldwin, the list of those recommended for charges includes strength and conditioning coaches Grant Dearns and Caesar Vincent Elumba; assistant coaches Dean Caesar Casta±o, Sandro Nicholas Soriano, and Reynaldo Jacinto Jr.; student managers Paolo Manuel Adevoso and Andrew Lorenzo Salud; physical therapist John Eric Rueca; and utility/ball boys Aris Pronce and Joel Rapa. Remulla clarified that the CIDG's recommendation is just the initial step, with the DOJ acting as the final arbiter regarding the charges.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. expressed confidence in the DOJ's approval of their recommendation. He stated that the investigation was conducted thoroughly, and the evidence gathered supports prosecution under the Anti-Hazing Law.
Remulla also mentioned that an immigration lookout bulletin order against Baldwin, announced on June 17, might be upgraded to a hold departure order if the case proceeds to court. Baldwin reportedly assured that he does not plan to leave the country.
Further complicating matters, testimonies from former Ateneo players allege similar incidents during a 2016 training camp, contradicting Baldwin's earlier claims. Remulla criticized the advice given by Baldwin on handling rip currents, especially considering some players' inability to swim.
DILG Assistant Secretary Brian Mey Tomas disclosed that investigators found evidence of players being subjected to extreme physical activities and hazardous sea-based training before the deaths of Rene Baterbonia, 18, and Divine Adili, 21. The activities were reportedly part of a selection process for the team's final roster.
Over 620 pages of testimony have been collected, indicating that players faced extreme weather and conditions, contributing to the fatalities. DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez confirmed the referral of charges to the department. He stated that the DOJ would conduct an initial evaluation to assess the completeness of the evidence for further proceedings. Martinez assured that the evaluation would be conducted expeditiously and in accordance with legal procedures.
