The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has recommended the filing of charges against 11 individuals in connection with the deaths of Ateneo basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
In a press conference in Manila on June 26, 2026, the CIDG recommended that charges for alleged violation of the Anti-Hazing Act be filed against the following:
- Tab Baldwin, head coach
- 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
CIDG investigators said the players were allegedly subjected to extreme physical activities, punishment exercises, and sea-based training under hazardous conditions.
Baterbonia and Adili drowned on June 8, 2026 during a team-building activity at a beach resort in Dipaculao, Aurora, just four days after Baterbonia flew to Manila to join the Blue Eagles.
Initial investigation found they were pulled to deeper parts of the sea by a rip current in the middle of an activity with teammates in the water.
CIDG will forward its recommendation to the Department of Justice (DOJ), which will determine if probable cause exists to file cases, and if other cases need to be filed.
Baterbonia was laid to rest on June 25 at in his hometown of Talacogon in Agusan del Sur. Read story: https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/news/114548/agsur-sports-icon-rene-baterbonia-laid-to-rest/story/
Ateneo de Manila said Adili’s remains have arrived in Nigeria.
Also on June 26, Ateneo President, Fr. Roberto Yap, said “ we continue to condole and we continue to apologize” for the families of Baterbonia and Adili.
ATENEO ISSUES STATEMENT
Ateneo on Friday afternoon issued a statement that acknowledged the CIDG recommendation, saying it "respects the work" undertaken during the investigation.
The university also maintained its confidence that "facts will fully and fairly be evaluated through the proper process," and reiterated its commitment to various implementations and pledges moving forward.
Read Ateneo's full statement:
"We acknowledge the CIDG's recommendation and respect the work it has undertaken in the course of its investigation.
We also recognize that other investigations remain ongoing, and we will continue to cooperate fully with all competent authorities as they complete their respective inquiries, while the CIDG’s recommendation will now be reviewed by the Department of Justice, as provided under the law. We are confident that the facts will be fully and fairly evaluated through the proper process.
Throughout this process, Ateneo remains steadfast in its commitment to accountability, student welfare, and the highest standards of safety and institutional responsibility. The University will continue to support the families of those involved, care for its students and community, and strengthen the reforms already underway to help ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated."
