MANILA, Philippines — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has recommended the filing of complaints for alleged violations of the Anti-Hazing Act against former Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and 10 other members of the team’s coaching and support staff following the deaths of two student-athletes during a team-building activity in Aurora.
The recommendation, announced by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla during a press briefing, stems from the June 8 drowning deaths of Ateneo players Rene Baterbonia, 18, and Divine Adili, 21, in Dipaculao, Aurora. The CIDG submitted its findings to the Department of Justice (DOJ), which will determine whether the evidence is sufficient to proceed with a preliminary investigation.
Aside from Baldwin, those included in the CIDG’s recommendation are strength and conditioning coaches Grant Dearns and Caesar Vincent Javellana Elumba; assistant coaches Dean Caesar Castaño, Sandro Nicholas Romero Soriano, and Reynaldo Jacinto Jr.; student managers Paolo Manuel Maceda Adevoso and Andrew Lorenzo Bondoc Salud; physical therapist John Eric Rueca; and utility personnel Aris Ramos Pronce and Joel Palmiano Rapa.
Investigators said the team-building activity allegedly involved extreme physical exercises, punishment drills, and sea-based training conducted despite hazardous conditions, including strong waves and the threat of rip currents. Authorities also found that the activity was reportedly used to evaluate which players would secure spots on the team’s final roster for the upcoming University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season.
According to Remulla, the CIDG’s investigation, supported by more than 620 pages of testimonies and evidence, concluded that the circumstances surrounding the training met the elements of Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018. He emphasized that the law is not limited to fraternity initiation rites but may also apply to other activities involving dangerous or abusive practices that place participants at serious risk.
The DOJ confirmed that it has received the referral from the CIDG and is conducting an initial evaluation to determine whether the submitted evidence is complete and sufficient for further legal proceedings. If found adequate, the case will be docketed for preliminary investigation. Otherwise, it may be returned for additional case build-up.
The investigation began after the June 8 tragedy, when Baterbonia and Adili died from asphyxia by drowning during the Ateneo basketball team’s training activity in Aurora. Earlier, the CIDG disclosed that it was investigating the incident for possible violations of the Anti-Hazing Act and potential homicide before eventually recommending the filing of charges.
The recommendation marks a significant development in the high-profile case, with the DOJ expected to determine the next legal steps based on the evidence submitted by investigators. Until then, no formal charges have yet been filed, and the respondents remain entitled to due process under Philippine law.
