Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced plans to consolidate all criminal charges filed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to determine if a preliminary investigation is necessary for individuals implicated in the drowning deaths of Ateneo de Manila University's student-athletes, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, in Dipaculao, Aurora.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOJ Undersecretary Ian Dato confirmed receiving a supplemental referral from the Philippine National Police (PNP)-CIDG. The referral recommends additional charges of homicide and/or reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against members of the Ateneo coaching staff, led by Tab Baldwin.

Dato stated that both the original and supplemental referrals are currently under review by the DOJ. "Until that evaluation is completed, it would be inappropriate for us to disclose the identities of the respondents or discuss the evidence in greater detail," he added.

In response to the CIDG's recommendation, Ateneo issued a statement indicating its commitment to providing assistance and support to its community members affected by the legal proceedings. The university emphasized the importance of exercising their rights to defend themselves through the appropriate legal channels.

The individuals recommended for charges include 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 workers/ball boys Aris Pronce and Joel Rapa.