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DOJ Initiates Probe into Deaths of Two Student Athletes in Ateneo Team Building Incident
The Philippine Department of Justice has commenced a preliminary investigation into the deaths of two student-athletes who drowned during a team-building activity for Ateneo de Manila University. The probe focuses on charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, with university officials named as respondents. Allegations under the Anti-Hazing Act are being pursued separately.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a preliminary investigation into the deaths of two student-athletes, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who drowned during a team-building activity for Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU). The incident occurred on June 8 in Dipaculao, Aurora. According to the DOJ, the respondents named in the complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide include Epok Quimpo, the university's team manager, and several others. Justice Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato stated that the first preliminary investigation hearing was held on September 1, with the second scheduled for September 15, which is the deadline for the submission of counter-affidavits by the respondents. Initially, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) had recommended filing complaints for violations of the Anti-Hazing Act, as well as homicide and reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. However, Undersecretary Dato clarified that only the charge of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide met the requirements of DOJ Department Circular No. 20, which mandates prosecutor participation in case build-up. He explained that the respondents had to agree on the appropriate charges, and only reckless imprudence resulting in homicide passed this specific circular. Meanwhile, DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez confirmed that the complaint for violations of the Anti-Hazing Act remains under case build-up. Following the incident, Quimpo and another university official (identified as Baldwin in the original report, with an unspecified role) resigned. A video posted by the university on June 12 showed an apology from the official to the victims' families, though Baterbonia's mother stated that an apology was insufficient. This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety protocols in student athletic activities and the accountability of educational institutions in the Philippines. The thoroughness of the investigation into potential violations of the Anti-Hazing Act will be a key focus moving forward.
Original source
GMA News Philippines