Manila: Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla clarified that the Department of Justice (DOJ) holds the discretion to exclude student managers and ball boys from the list of respondents regarding the June 8 drowning incident involving two student-athletes during a team-building event in Aurora province.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) initially recommended filing hazing charges against members of the Ateneo de Manila University men's basketball coaching staff, including former head coach Tab Baldwin. Remulla informed reporters that while the PNP-CIDG made this recommendation, some participants might be removed from the list if they were unaware of the harmful intent of the activity.
Remulla emphasized the importance of holding accountable those who planned and deliberately subjected the student-athletes to abusive training. He mentioned that after conducting its review, the DOJ might consider some individuals, such as the student managers and ball boys, as witnesses instead of accused persons. Under the Anti-Hazing Act, mere presence during hazing can be considered prima facie evidence of participation.
The DILG chief stressed the responsibility of school administrators to act in loco parentis, ensuring the safety and welfare of students. Investigators should determine if university officials failed to prevent the activity that resulted in the deaths of two student-athletes and caused trauma to others. Remulla clarified that none of the other student-athletes who participated in the exercise were recommended as respondents, labeling them as victims of violent training.
He added that the case focuses on legal accountability while acknowledging the lasting emotional and psychological effects on surviving student-athletes. The incident underscores the need to bolster efforts to protect schools from hazing and other forms of abuse.
Last Friday, Remulla stated that the PNP-CIDG recommended evaluation, case build-up, and preliminary investigation for violation of Republic Act 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act against those who planned and participated in the hazing. The recommended charges include strength and conditioning coaches, assistant coaches, student managers, physical therapists, and utility/ball boys alongside Baldwin.
Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili lost their lives during the team camp in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8.
