Ateneo says Athletics Office's Em Fernandez, Vince Mangulabnan not in Aurora during drowning incident

Ateneo de Manila University said University Athletics Office (UAO) head Em Fernandez and staff member Vince Mangulabnan were not present during the Blue Eagles' team-building activity that claimed the lives of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

The university's statement disputes part of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group's (CIDG) referral, which cited their supposed role in the activity.

"The University respectfully disagrees with the conclusion that the University Athletics Office (UAO) planned, organized, or carried out the Dipaculao activity," Ateneo said in a statement on Thursday.

"The Referral cites the UAO's role in arranging the team's transportation. However, arranging transportation does not mean planning or supervising the activity itself. Neither UAO Head Emmanuel Fernandez nor UAO staff member Vince Mangulabnan was present in Dipaculao."

"We remain confident that the legal process will establish the facts and clarify the respective roles and responsibilities of those involved," it added.

The CIDG on Wednesday submitted a supplemental referral recommending that former Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin and eight others face homicide and reckless imprudence charges in connection with the incident.

Earlier, the university said it will provide assistance to those named in the recommendation.

—JKC, GMA News