Ateneo University Disputes Athletics Office Involvement in Player Deaths

MANILA, Philippines — The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) has disputed a supplemental referral submitted to the Department of Justice that implicated its University Athletics Office (UAO) in the deaths of two of its basketball players. ADMU issued the statement as it noted that the supplemental attributed responsibility to the UAO headed by Emmanuel Fernandez. "Based on the facts presently known to the University, we respectfully but firmly dispute that conclusion," said ADMU. READ: DOJ evaluates homicide raps in Ateneo basketball players’ deaths According to ADMU, the referral cited the UAO's involvement based on the fact that the team's chartered bus had been arranged by Vince Mangulabnan, a member of the office's staff. However, the university argued that facilitating transportation does not establish that the UAO planned, organized, or directed the activity itself. "It is likewise undisputed that neither Emmanuel Fernandez nor Vince Mangulabnan was present in Dipaculao during the activity," noted ADMU. "Their absence underscores the need to distinguish between providing logistical assistance and exercising responsibility for the planning, supervision, or execution of the event," it added. READ: Ateneo drowning case: More raps recommended vs Baldwin, 8 others ADMU then maintained that these matters will be addressed through the appropriate legal process, expressing confidence that a complete and objective examination of the evidence "will establish the respective roles and responsibilities of those involved." All this stemmed from the deaths of two Ateneo basketball players, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, after they drowned during a training activity in Dipaculao, Aurora last June.