MANILA (UPDATED) — The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) found that the June 8 “team-building” activity of the Ateneo Blue Eagles in Dipaculao, Aurora contained elements of hazing and has recommended the filing of complaints against some who allegedly planned and participated in the activity.
The findings were released by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the PNP-CIDG as of June 26:
Why was the activity considered hazing?
The CIDG said the activity involved “elements of hazing,” citing the physical suffering that players experienced in activities in done in seawater. experienced by players during the seawater-based activity.
Police said holding the activities in the sea constituted hazing because there was an alleged intent to cause physical suffering.
They also said former head coach Tad Baldwin was aware of the low- and high-tide conditions in the area.
They said investigators considered the drowning of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili a “clear case of physical suffering.”
What was the activity for?
A coaching staff member testified that the activity was not specifically related to basketball skills. Instead, it was intended to assess the players’ “mental condition and toughness.”
Investigators said the activity was conducted to determine which athletes would be included in Baldwin’s final roster to be submitted to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines board.
Of the 20 athletes who attended, only 17 were expected to make the final list.
What charges did the CIDG recommend?
They recommended the filing of complaints for alleged violation of the Anti-Hazing Law against the following who allegedly planned and participated in the activity:
• Former head coach Tab Baldwin
• Grant Dearns, strength and conditioning coach
• Ceasar Vincent Elumba, strength and conditioning coach
• Dean Caesar Castaño, assistant coach
• Sandro Nicholas Soriano, assistant coach
• Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., assistant coach
• Paolo Manuel Adevoso, student manager
• Andrew Lorenzo Salud, student manager
• John Eric Rueca, physical therapist
• Aris Pronce, ball boy
• Joel Rapa, ball boy
What happened before the drowning?
Players were reportedly awakened at around 4 a.m. by a siren.
They were made to run approximately four kilometers before participating in intense physical games.
Then-team manager Christopher Quimpo reportedly advised against holding the activity but Baldwin said there was no opposition to proceeding with it.
Investigators also found that Baterbonia knew how to swim. While Adili and four other players were not swimmers.
Former players testified about alleged untoward incidents during similar activities in the same location in 2016 and 2017.
Baldwin, in his testimony, said no previous incidents “created the idea of drowning.
What was the involvement of Ateneo and Smart in the activity?
The investigation found that Ateneo de Manila University was not aware of the activity.
Smart Communications was identified only as a team sponsor and was not involved in organizing the activity.
What happens next?
The CIDG is recommending that the Department of Justice conduct a preliminary investigation and case build-up on Baldwin and 10 others who “planned and participated in the hazing.”
A preliminary investigation is meant to determine whether cases should be filed in court.
RELATED STORIES
CIDG eyes hazing raps vs Tab Baldwin, 10 others over Baterbonia, Adili deaths
Ateneo observes 40-day mourning period following Adili, Baterbonia deaths
CHED issues show cause order vs Ateneo over student-athletes' deaths
RELATED VIDEO