NBI Recommends Charges Against 12 in Ateneo Basketball Player Drowning Deaths

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has referred to the Department of Justice (DoJ) its findings recommending criminal charges against 12 people, including members of Ateneo de Manila University’s basketball coaching staff, over the drowning deaths of two student-athletes during a team-building activity in Aurora province last month. Justice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida confirmed on Monday that the DoJ had received the NBI report and would consolidate it with an earlier complaint filed by the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group before deciding whether to file charges. “Now we are consolidating everything, and soon we will be coming up with the decision on how to proceed with the case,” he told reporters. The NBI recommended filing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in two counts of homicide against Ateneo’s resigned men’s basketball coach, six assistant coaches, and the university’s physical therapist. It also recommended charges of simple negligence resulting in homicide against Ateneo’s athletic director and three resort owners. In its summary of findings, the NBI stated that the coach conceived, planned, and supervised the sea drill in an open, surf-exposed area despite knowing that one of the players could not swim. Investigators said the activity proceeded without life vests, lifeguards, or medical and rescue personnel, making the risk of drowning foreseeable. The bureau added that the coaching staff also failed to implement adequate flotation and rescue measures during the drill. The university’s physical therapist, who was certified in first aid and basic life support, failed to intervene despite the absence of medical and emergency response personnel. The NBI also found that Ateneo’s athletic director had failed to enforce athlete safety protocols and obtain the required approvals and medical clearances before the activity. The three resort operators were cited for deficiencies in beach safety measures, including the lack of accredited lifeguards, warning signs, and guest access controls. Separately, the NBI referred to the Department of the Interior and Local Government possible administrative liabilities of Dipaculao municipal officials, including the Business Permits and Licensing Office officer, the Municipal Tourism and Cultural Development officer, and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head, over alleged regulatory lapses. The DoJ last month ordered the NBI to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the deaths of Rene Clert Baterbonia and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili, who drowned during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8.