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Advocates Philippines
Questions Mount Over Student-Athlete Deaths As Legal Expert Points To Possible Liability
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Legal expert Atty. Alberto Agra has laid out a series of key questions that could help determine accountability following the deaths of two student-athletes from Ateneo de Manila University during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
The questions emerged as public attention remains focused on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, with many seeking answers on whether proper safety measures and supervision were in place during the activity.
In his “LegAL Playbook,” Agra said determining liability begins with establishing whether the activity was officially sanctioned, organized, funded, or supervised by the school. He also stressed the need to examine whether participation was voluntary or if student-athletes felt pressured to join due to possible consequences for non-participation.
Another critical issue, according to the lawyer, is whether the training activity was excessive, dangerous, unreasonable, or beyond the physical capabilities of the participants, particularly if it involved open-water conditions and other high-risk environments.
Agra also underscored the importance of reviewing the safety protocols that were in place before and during the activity. These include the availability of rescue equipment, trained lifeguards, medical personnel, and emergency response measures that could have mitigated potential risks.
The investigation, he added, should also look into whether the student-athletes were physically and medically fit to participate, whether they had been properly informed of the risks involved, and whether they knowingly agreed to take part in the activity.
Attention should likewise be given to the individuals who organized and supervised the event. Agra said authorities must determine who directed the activity, whether it was properly authorized, and whether qualified personnel were present to ensure the safety of participants at all times.
He further raised the question of whether safer alternatives could have been used to achieve the same team-building objectives without exposing students to unnecessary danger.
According to Agra, the answers to these questions will help establish whether school officials, coaches, and organizers fulfilled their legal duty of care or if negligence played a role in the deaths of the two student-athletes.
Should investigators find evidence of negligence or serious lapses in supervision, the incident could potentially give rise to civil, administrative, or criminal liability. Depending on the facts established during the investigation, possible anti-hazing implications may also be examined.
As authorities continue to gather information, the tragedy has intensified calls for a thorough review of safety standards and accountability measures governing student-athlete activities, particularly those involving physically demanding or high-risk exercises.
The questions emerged as public attention remains focused on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, with many seeking answers on whether proper safety measures and supervision were in place during the activity.
In his “LegAL Playbook,” Agra said determining liability begins with establishing whether the activity was officially sanctioned, organized, funded, or supervised by the school. He also stressed the need to examine whether participation was voluntary or if student-athletes felt pressured to join due to possible consequences for non-participation.
Another critical issue, according to the lawyer, is whether the training activity was excessive, dangerous, unreasonable, or beyond the physical capabilities of the participants, particularly if it involved open-water conditions and other high-risk environments.
Agra also underscored the importance of reviewing the safety protocols that were in place before and during the activity. These include the availability of rescue equipment, trained lifeguards, medical personnel, and emergency response measures that could have mitigated potential risks.
The investigation, he added, should also look into whether the student-athletes were physically and medically fit to participate, whether they had been properly informed of the risks involved, and whether they knowingly agreed to take part in the activity.
Attention should likewise be given to the individuals who organized and supervised the event. Agra said authorities must determine who directed the activity, whether it was properly authorized, and whether qualified personnel were present to ensure the safety of participants at all times.
He further raised the question of whether safer alternatives could have been used to achieve the same team-building objectives without exposing students to unnecessary danger.
According to Agra, the answers to these questions will help establish whether school officials, coaches, and organizers fulfilled their legal duty of care or if negligence played a role in the deaths of the two student-athletes.
Should investigators find evidence of negligence or serious lapses in supervision, the incident could potentially give rise to civil, administrative, or criminal liability. Depending on the facts established during the investigation, possible anti-hazing implications may also be examined.
As authorities continue to gather information, the tragedy has intensified calls for a thorough review of safety standards and accountability measures governing student-athlete activities, particularly those involving physically demanding or high-risk exercises.
Jun 10, 2026
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