The Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has recommended the filing of charges for alleged violation of the Anti-Hazing Law against resigned Ateneo men’s basketball head coach Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin and 10 other individuals over the deaths of two student-athletes in Aurora province.
The recommendation stems from the June 8 drowning incident in Dipaculao town involving Ateneo student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building activity.
Authorities said the case has been formally endorsed for review by the Department of Justice (DOJ), which will determine the final charges to be filed in court.
The CIDG said its findings indicated that the activity involved elements that may fall under hazing, including alleged exposure to harsh conditions and physically demanding exercises.
Among those included in the recommendation are strength and conditioning coaches Grant Dearns and Ceasar Vincent Javellana Elumbia, assistant coaches Dean Caesar Castaño, Sandro Nicholas Romero Soriano, and Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., as well as student managers and other team staff members.
Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said the recommendation has been signed and transmitted to the DOJ for preliminary evaluation, stressing that it remains a prosecutorial assessment and not a final court filing.
He said investigators found that “team building and training crossed over to hazing,” citing provisions of the Anti-Hazing Law covering exposure to extreme conditions and physically demanding exercises that may cause harm.
Remulla added that the circumstances, including exposure to weather and strenuous activity, allegedly contributed to the drowning of the two athletes.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the CIDG based its recommendation on evidence indicating acts of maltreatment and initiation practices that fall under hazing provisions.
However, officials clarified that other possible charges, including homicide, remain under consideration as the DOJ conducts its independent review.
DILG officials emphasized that the recommendation does not preclude additional charges depending on the findings of prosecutors.
CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II said the families of the victims have been informed of the development and have cooperated with investigators throughout the process.
The case remains under preliminary evaluation as authorities await the DOJ’s determination of the appropriate charges to be filed in court.