PNP chief hints at anti-hazing violations in Ateneo students' drowning

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said possible violations of Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act, are being considered in connection with the drowning of two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes.

In an interview with reporters at Camp Crame on Thursday, Nartatez said the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) had completed about 80 percent of its investigation into the deaths of players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

Asked whether criminal charges could be filed once the investigation was completed, Nartatez answered in a mix of Filipino and English, “We are leading to that in the investigation. That’s what the CIDG director would also say. We can’t say yet with definite numbers, who would be charged and for what case.”

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But, pressed on whether the PNP was looking at hazing cases, the top cop answered, “There is a possibility that, probably, they can be indicted for violation of the Anti-Hazing Law.”

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READ: DILG to submit full report on Ateneo drowning case to DOJ on Tuesday

Baterbonia and Adili died after being swept away by a current during a training activity along the shoreline of Dipaculao, Aurora earlier this month.

In a podcast interview with journalist Pia Hontiveros aired last Tuesday, players Kieffer Alas and Sam Reyes denied that the Dipaculao activity was an initiation rite.

Nonetheless, CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II previously explained that the definition of hazing in the Anti-Hazing Act included “forced calisthenics [and] exposure to the weather.”

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Further, Morico cited that the activity had been conducted 700 meters away from the segment of the shoreline in front of the beach resort where the Ateneo team was checked in.

Asked whether the PNP stood by the possible angle of hazing, Nartatez said, “That’s why we are investigating. Hazing does not necessarily involve physical contact. If there’s the emotional aspect.”

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Pressed on whether there was any negligence on the part of the Ateneo team management, the PNP chief answered, “There are some circumstances where there was something lacking. We’ll look into those.”

The CIDG previously said at least 48 individuals had been subpoenaed over the investigation.

According to Nartatez, the remaining individuals are due to appear on Friday, June 19; or Monday, June 22.

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“We’ll speed it up. We are utilizing almost all of the investigators. If you could’ve seen inside, perhaps, not less than 20 investigators were taking statements,” Nartatez explained. /jpv