Charges eyed vs 10 to 11 over Ateneo drowning

MANILA, Philippines —  After more than two weeks of investigation, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has identified around 10 to 11 personalities who will face criminal cases for the deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University cagers in Dipaculao, Aurora.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. yesterday said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is wrapping up its probe of the deaths of Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili in a drowning incident at a beach on June 8.

Asked how many people would likely face criminal complaints, Nartatez said: “We are counting more or less about 11 or 10.”

While he did not disclose the identities, Nartatez said the personalities are mostly staff of Ateneo’s men’s basketball team.

“We can already have our concrete recommendations and records of investigation being referred to the DOJ (Department of Justice),” he told reporters.

Israelito Torreon, legal counsel of Baterbonia’s family, said they had not been informed of the charges to be filed.

Torreon told “Storycon” on One News yesterday that regardless of the outcome of the government probe, the family may pursue civil damages related to the drowning.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said they intend to submit their recommendations to the DOJ by tomorrow.

Among the cases police are eyeing are homicide and violation of Republic Act 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Law.

He said police investigators have interviewed nearly 100 people in the two-week probe, collecting about 1,200 pages of testimonies.

Ateneo president Fr. Roberto Yap was among the persons summoned by the CIDG yesterday to shed light on the incident. Another is former Ateneo player and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters cager Gian Mamuyac.

Remulla said they have also summoned business tycoon and sports backer Manuel Pangilinan to explain the role of the MVP Sports Foundation in the Ateneo basketball team.

Alfredo Panlilio, the president of the foundation, said their role in supporting the team is limited to funding and they have no hand in its management, recruitment and training.

Nartatez also confirmed that former Aurora police director Col. Percival Pineda was sacked from his post because of his statement during the early days of the investigation that there was no foul play in the drowning.

Baterbonia buried

Baterbonia was laid to rest yesterday at the Barangay Labnig Memorial Cemetery in his hometown in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.

“They just wasted you. I love you so much. Even in hardship, I didn’t leave you,” his mother, Rovelyn, said.

“Don’t let them sleep if they’re not telling the truth, from the coach, staff,” she added.

Rovelyn said she is still looking for answers for her son’s death.

Baterbonia was the first person to be interred in the newly established memorial park.

Emotions ran high as family, relatives, friends, teammates, supporters and members of the community joined the funeral convoy of Baterbonia to the cemetery.

They also gathered at the Municipal Gymnasium in Talacogon for his funeral mass.

The Sangguniang Bayan of Talacogon formally expressed its profound condolences through a resolution that declared June 8 of every year as “Rene Clert ‘Bobet’ N. Baterbonia Day” in the municipality.

Show-cause order

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has issued a show-cause order to Ateneo de Manila University for alleged violations on the conduct of off-campus activities and the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.

“CHED cannot allow matters involving the loss of student lives and questions of institutional accountability to remain unaddressed. Higher education institutions are expected to cooperate fully with regulatory processes, particularly in incidents involving student safety and welfare,” CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis said.

She said that Ateneo has 10 days to submit a written explanation under oath from receipt of the show cause order.

Meanwhile, former Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin has until today to submit his explanation to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regarding the validity of his employment permit and his participation in the June 8 team-building activity.

DOLE has scheduled a formal hearing on June 29 to determine whether Baldwin possesses a valid Alien Employment Permit, which is required for foreign nationals working in the Philippines.

Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said Baldwin had submitted a redacted copy of his Alien Certificate of Registration issued by the Bureau of Immigration but has yet to provide the verified explanation required by DOLE.

Baldwin is also required to provide a written explanation of the team-building activity, including the supervision and safety measures in place during the event.

Ateneo warns vs threats

Ateneo de Manila University vowed to take legal action against individuals targeting student-athletes, their families, faculty and employees.

Ateneo said certain parties, both online and offline, have continued to spread hurtful, baseless and dangerous rumors directed at its men’s basketball team.

“These reckless actions are unjustly targeting our student-athletes, their families and the broader Ateneo community – including our students, faculty and employees,” it added.

It said harassment, threats and the spread of misinformation directed at the student-athletes, their families and members of the Ateneo community will not be tolerated.

“The university assures our student-athletes, athletics support staff and their families that we will pursue all appropriate measures to protect and care for them. If necessary, the university will not hesitate to take legal action to ensure the safety and protection of our community members,” Ateneo said in a statement.

Ateneo asked everyone to remain united in compassion, truthfulness and mutual respect.

“We call on everyone to keep conversations civil, grounded in facts and respectful of those most affected by this tragedy,” Ateneo added.

“Please report any incidents of harassment, threats or misinformation to the proper authorities and to the University at [email protected],” it said.

Ateneo said it will continue to provide support services for the team, their families and anyone in the community who is being targeted. –  Bella Cariaso, Christine Boton