Ateneo De Manila University campus in Katipunan, Quezon City in this photo taken on May 26, 2023. Gigie Cruz, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA — Ateneo de Manila University has extended support to the student managers and utility staff of its men's basketball team following their inclusion among those recommended for hazing charges by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).
Last Friday, the PNP-CIDG recommended that the Department of Justice conduct a preliminary investigation into possible violations of the Anti-Hazing Law against resigned Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin and 10 others involved in the team-building activity in Aurora.
READ: CIDG eyes hazing raps vs Tab Baldwin, 10 others over Baterbonia, Adili deaths
The activity claimed the lives of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
Among the 10 other recommended respondents are student managers Paolo Manuel Adevoso and Andrew Lorenzo Salud, as well as utility ball boys Aris Ramos Pronce and Joel Palmiano Rapa.
"We share the concerns and anxiety that this situation has caused our students, including our student managers, Paolo Manuel Adevoso and Andrew Lorenzo Salud, and utility ball boys Aris Ramos Pronce and Joel Palmiano Rapa," a message to the Ateneo community signed by spokesperson Fr. RB Hizon, SJ said.
"Recognizing the unique circumstances and needs of those affected, the University has reached out to them and their families to offer appropriate support and accompaniment throughout the legal process, while respecting that each respondent's rights and interests must be represented independently," the message added.
The university underscored the importance of providing support to its students and staff throughout the legal process.
"Our foremost concern is the welfare of our students and staff, and the assurance that each of them receives the support, fairness, and due process they deserve," the message said.
In a separate message on Saturday, the university appealed to the community to respect the student managers and staff named in the ongoing investigation into the Aurora tragedy.
"As public attention heightens, we ask everyone to remember that many of those whose names and images have circulated online are our students who are now living through an extraordinarily difficult experience," Fr. Hizon said.
"Whatever the outcome of the ongoing investigations, they deserve to be treated with fairness, dignity, and humanity. Public criticism should never descend into harassment, threats, ridicule, or online abuse directed at students or their families," he added.
The university spokesperson also urged the public to avoid online attacks against those involved and allow the legal process to run its course.
"We respectfully urge everyone to please refrain from cyberbullying, online harassment, spreading unverified information, and sending personal attacks against those involved. Let us allow the appropriate processes to determine the facts, remembering that the pursuit of accountability must never come at the expense of our shared humanity," Fr. Hizon said.
"As we continue to grieve this profound loss and cooperate fully with the ongoing investigations, we ask that compassion guide our words and actions. Even in moments of deep sorrow and intense public scrutiny, we believe that accountability and our shared humanity must go hand in hand," he added.
Adili and Baterbonia have been laid to rest in their respective hometowns as Ateneo de Manila University continues to observe a 40-day mourning period following their deaths.