Ateneo drowning case: More raps recommended vs Baldwin, 8 others

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday confirmed that additional cases had been recommended against resigned Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball head coach Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin and eight others.

This is in connection with the death due to drowning of basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a training activity in Dipaculao, Aurora last June.

“The investigation has likewise resulted in the recommendation to file cases for homicide against [Baldwin] and reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide against him and eight other respondents,” the PNP said in a statement.

Article continues after this advertisement

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

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

“The complaints have been referred to the DOJ (Department of Justice) for evaluation and appropriate action in accordance with existing legal procedures,” it added.

The PNP did not identify the eight others who had been recommended to be charged with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide.

Last week, the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) recommended that Baldwin and 10 of his staff be charged with violating Republic Act No. 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act in connection with Baterbonia and Adili’s deaths.

On Tuesday, Baterbonia’s family appeared before the CIDG to be briefed on the findings of the investigation into the student-athlete’s death.

Article continues after this advertisement

In a separate statement, the CIDG said it had assured the Baterbonia family that it was building an “airtight case.”

“The chief of the Philippine National Police, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., deployed a dedicated team of PNP lawyers to closely assist and oversee the investigative process,” the PNP-CIDG said. /gsg

Article continues after this advertisement

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.