DILG: DOJ probe must determine if Ateneo liable over drownings

MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) preliminary investigation into the fatal drowning of two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes must determine whether the institution is liable.

“Under the law, they have the duty to stand in loco parentis, or in the place of the students’ parents, to ensure their safety,” Remulla explained in Filipino in a press briefing in Camp Crame on Monday.

READ: Hazing raps pushed vs Ateneo ex-coach, staff

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“The Department of Justice’s investigation should determine whether they failed to prevent the activity that led to the death of the two students and caused trauma to the other participants in the training,” he added.

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“These children are members of Ateneo, and they carry that name, which the university has a duty to protect,” he also said.

Last Friday, Remulla announced that the Department of the Interior and Local Government had recommended that resigned Ateneo men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and 10 of his staff undergo a preliminary investigation by the DOJ, which could lead to charges for violating Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act.

This was in connection with the fatal drowning of players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a training activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, earlier this month.

Remulla noted that Ateneo de Manila University President Fr. Roberto Yap and Athletics Director Em Fernandez told police investigators that they were unaware of the Aurora activity until after the tragedy.

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“In the end, this is not just a matter of legal accountability. The tragedy left and will continue to leave a lasting impact on all the students who were there,” Remulla said in Filipino.

“This should also be given attention, especially by Ateneo’s management,” he added. /mcm

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