DOJ receives CIDG referral vs. Tab Baldwin, others

The Department of Justice (DOJ) received Friday the referral filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) for the conduct of a preliminary investigation against current and former coaches of the Ateneo men’s basketball team over the deaths of cagers Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

“At this stage, the referral will undergo initial evaluation by the DOJ to determine whether the evidence submitted is complete and sufficient for further proceedings,” Justice spokesperson Polo Martinez said in a statement.

If the evidence is found to be incomplete, he said the DOJ may refer the case back to the PNP for further case build-up.

Meanwhile, if it is found sufficient, Martinez said the case may be docketed for preliminary investigation.

“The DOJ assures the public that the matter will be evaluated expeditiously and objectively in accordance with the evidence, the law, and applicable procedure,” he said.

Baterbonia and Adili lost their lives in a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on Monday, June 8.

Earlier, the PNP-CIDG recommended the filing of a complaint or alleged violations of Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act, against former Ateneo men's basketball team head coach Tab Baldwin and others.

Aside from Baldwin, others were:

• Grant Dearns, strength and conditioning coach
• Caesar Vincent Javellana Elumba, strength and conditioning coach
• Dean Caesar B. Castaño, assistant coach
• Sandro Nicholas Romero Soriano, assistant coach
• Reynaldo C. Jacinto Jr., assistant coach
• Paolo Manuel Maceda Adevoso, student manager
• Andrew Lorenzo Bondoc Salud, student manager
• John Eric Quiambao Rueca, physical therapist
• Aris Ramos Pronce, utility/ball boy
• Joel Palmiano Rapa, utility/ball boy

Assistant Secretary Brian Mey R. Tomas said investigators found that the players were allegedly subjected to extreme physical activities, punishment exercises, and sea-based training under hazardous conditions before two student-athletes drowned on June 8.

The CIDG believes the circumstances may constitute hazing under the Anti-Hazing Act, although the DOJ will make the final determination after conducting a preliminary investigation.

Ateneo de Manila University has acknowledged the CIDG's recommendation to pursue a preliminary investigation into possible Anti-Hazing Act violations in connection with the drowning incident.

“We acknowledge the CIDG’s recommendation and respect the work it has undertaken in the course of its investigation,” university spokesperson Fr. Rene “RB” Hizon, SJ said in a statement on Friday. — RSJ, GMA News