The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has recommended to the Department of Justice (DOJ) the filing of charges for violation of the Anti-Hazing Act against former Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin and 10 members of the coaching and support staff.
Deaths During Team-Building Activity
The recommendation stems from the deaths of student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8. According to the PNP-CIDG investigation, the seawater training conducted constituted hazing because it allegedly caused physical pain as a requirement for staying on the team and was part of the selection process for Ateneo's final lineup for the upcoming UAAP season.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government confirmed that the activity aimed to challenge the physical and mental health of the athletes.
Details of the Incident
Investigators revealed that five players said they could not swim, yet the water training still proceeded during high tide, where the two victims drowned. Bombo Radyo is still awaiting comment from the camp of Tab Baldwin and the other individuals regarding the impending charges.
