Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) recommended the filing of two counts of homicide and two counts of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against ex-Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin and eight others over the drowning of student athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili in Aurora on June 8.
Also named were:
+strength and conditioning coach Grant Hearns
+assistant coach Dean Caesar Castaño
+strength and conditioning coach Ceasar Vincent Elumba
+assistant coach Sandro Nicholas Soriano
+assistant coach Reynaldo Jacinto Jr.
+athletic director Emmanuel Fernandez
+physical therapist John Eric Rueca
+sports facility officer Vincent Raphael Mangulabnan
The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that it received the recommendations on Tuesday, July 1.
Police investigators said the coaching staff and team officials failed to provide enough safety measures such as flotation devices, lifeguards, rescue equipment, proper swimmer assessment, and sufficient emergency preparations.
They also allegedly pushed through with the water activity despite riptide currents and powerful waves, contributing to the drowning of the young cagers.
CIDG Director PMGen Robert Morico II clarified that the other members of the Ateneo men’s basketball team who participated in the water activities were victims, as some social media users alleged that the Baterbonia and Adili’s fellow players were complicit in their deaths.
“In this case, hindi lang dalawa ang biktima. The 18 others are also victims sa incident na ‘yun. They underwent that training because, obviously, wala silang choice because young people had dreams of their own. Kapag hindi sila sumama, mawawala po ‘yung dream na ‘yun,” Morico said.
[Translation: In this case, it’s not just two victims. The 18 others are also victims in this incident. They underwent that training because, obviously, they didn’t have a choice because young people had dreams of their own. If they didn’t participate, their dreams would not come true.]
Meanwhile, student managers Paolo Adevoso and Drew Salud, and ball boys Aris Pronce and Boy Rapa were not included in the charges.
The student managers and ballboys were earlier named among those facing hazing charges. Interior Sec. Jonvic Remulla said his department was eyeing the withdrawal of these charges and instead tapping the four individuals as witnesses.
