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Advocates Philippines
PNP Recommends More Charges Against Tab Baldwin
Photo credit: UAAP
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recommended the filing of additional criminal charges against former Ateneo men's basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and several others in connection with the drowning deaths of two university basketball players during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 1, the PNP said investigators are recommending the filing of Homicide charges against Baldwin. They also recommended Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Multiple Homicide charges against Baldwin and eight other respondents.
The recommended charges are in addition to the complaints previously filed against Baldwin and 11 other respondents for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018. The complaints have already been referred to the Department of Justice (DOJ), which will evaluate the evidence and determine whether criminal charges should be filed in court.
The case stems from the deaths of two university basketball players who drowned during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8, 2026. The incident is currently under investigation by authorities.
The PNP also said that on June 30, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) met with the family of one of the victims to provide updates on the investigation. Investigators discussed the timeline of events, the evidence gathered, and the legal actions taken so far. The CIDG also introduced the command group, investigators, intelligence personnel, and legal officers handling the case to assure the family that the investigation is being conducted thoroughly and objectively.
According to the PNP, the investigation forms part of its efforts to ensure accountability and support the administration's directive to uphold the rule of law. The police organization said it will continue coordinating with the DOJ and other concerned agencies as the legal process moves forward.
Under Philippine law, the DOJ will conduct its own preliminary investigation before deciding whether to file charges in court. The PNP's recommendation does not constitute a finding of guilt, and all respondents are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court.
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 1, the PNP said investigators are recommending the filing of Homicide charges against Baldwin. They also recommended Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Multiple Homicide charges against Baldwin and eight other respondents.
The recommended charges are in addition to the complaints previously filed against Baldwin and 11 other respondents for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018. The complaints have already been referred to the Department of Justice (DOJ), which will evaluate the evidence and determine whether criminal charges should be filed in court.
The case stems from the deaths of two university basketball players who drowned during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8, 2026. The incident is currently under investigation by authorities.
The PNP also said that on June 30, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) met with the family of one of the victims to provide updates on the investigation. Investigators discussed the timeline of events, the evidence gathered, and the legal actions taken so far. The CIDG also introduced the command group, investigators, intelligence personnel, and legal officers handling the case to assure the family that the investigation is being conducted thoroughly and objectively.
According to the PNP, the investigation forms part of its efforts to ensure accountability and support the administration's directive to uphold the rule of law. The police organization said it will continue coordinating with the DOJ and other concerned agencies as the legal process moves forward.
Under Philippine law, the DOJ will conduct its own preliminary investigation before deciding whether to file charges in court. The PNP's recommendation does not constitute a finding of guilt, and all respondents are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court.
Jul 1, 2026
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