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Advocates Philippines
DOJ Receives Raps Against Tab Baldwin, 10 Others Over Ateneo Tragedy
Photo credit: UAAP
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially received the referral from the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) recommending the filing of criminal charges against former Ateneo de Manila University men's basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and 10 other members of the Blue Eagles coaching and support staff over the drowning deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano confirmed on Friday, June 26, that the referral had been received. It recommends charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, as well as any other offenses that may be supported by the evidence, including homicide or reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, if warranted.
The DOJ said the referral will first undergo an initial evaluation to determine whether the evidence submitted by the CIDG is complete and sufficient. If additional evidence is needed, the case may be returned to investigators for further case build-up. If the referral is found sufficient, the DOJ will docket the case and begin a preliminary investigation.
The referral stems from the deaths of Baterbonia, 19, and Adili, 21, who drowned during a team-building exercise along the coast of Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8. The incident sparked separate investigations by the CIDG, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Ateneo de Manila University.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said investigators concluded that the training activity met the legal definition of hazing under the Anti-Hazing Act. He explained that the law covers activities that subject participants to physical or psychological suffering, including dangerous physical challenges, even if they are not part of a traditional fraternity initiation.
Remulla also questioned Baldwin's account of the incident, saying testimonies from former Ateneo players contradicted the former coach's claim that no athlete had previously drowned or nearly drowned during similar training camps in Aurora. According to the DILG chief, several former players told investigators there had been earlier near-drowning incidents, including one involving former Blue Eagle Gboy Babilonia.
Investigators said the beach training was part of the team's preseason activities and was intended to test the players' physical and mental endurance. The CIDG identified Baldwin and 10 other coaches, team officials, and support personnel as respondents after concluding they allegedly planned, supervised, or participated in the activity.
The recommendation comes after the CIDG found probable grounds to pursue charges under the Anti-Hazing Act, citing evidence that the training exercise exposed participants to extreme risks. Authorities said the investigation included witness statements, forensic findings, and other documentary evidence gathered following the tragedy.
The DOJ emphasized that receiving the referral does not automatically mean charges will be filed. Prosecutors will first determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish probable cause before proceeding with a formal preliminary investigation. Baldwin and the other respondents remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano confirmed on Friday, June 26, that the referral had been received. It recommends charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, as well as any other offenses that may be supported by the evidence, including homicide or reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, if warranted.
The DOJ said the referral will first undergo an initial evaluation to determine whether the evidence submitted by the CIDG is complete and sufficient. If additional evidence is needed, the case may be returned to investigators for further case build-up. If the referral is found sufficient, the DOJ will docket the case and begin a preliminary investigation.
The referral stems from the deaths of Baterbonia, 19, and Adili, 21, who drowned during a team-building exercise along the coast of Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8. The incident sparked separate investigations by the CIDG, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Ateneo de Manila University.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said investigators concluded that the training activity met the legal definition of hazing under the Anti-Hazing Act. He explained that the law covers activities that subject participants to physical or psychological suffering, including dangerous physical challenges, even if they are not part of a traditional fraternity initiation.
Remulla also questioned Baldwin's account of the incident, saying testimonies from former Ateneo players contradicted the former coach's claim that no athlete had previously drowned or nearly drowned during similar training camps in Aurora. According to the DILG chief, several former players told investigators there had been earlier near-drowning incidents, including one involving former Blue Eagle Gboy Babilonia.
Investigators said the beach training was part of the team's preseason activities and was intended to test the players' physical and mental endurance. The CIDG identified Baldwin and 10 other coaches, team officials, and support personnel as respondents after concluding they allegedly planned, supervised, or participated in the activity.
The recommendation comes after the CIDG found probable grounds to pursue charges under the Anti-Hazing Act, citing evidence that the training exercise exposed participants to extreme risks. Authorities said the investigation included witness statements, forensic findings, and other documentary evidence gathered following the tragedy.
The DOJ emphasized that receiving the referral does not automatically mean charges will be filed. Prosecutors will first determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish probable cause before proceeding with a formal preliminary investigation. Baldwin and the other respondents remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Jun 26, 2026
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