The Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed that it has received the referral from the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) recommending the filing of charges for alleged violations of the Anti-Hazing Act against former Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin and 10 other individuals.
The recommendation stems from the deaths of Ateneo basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, which are currently under investigation.
According to the DOJ, the referral is now undergoing preliminary evaluation to determine whether the evidence submitted by the PNP-CIDG is complete and sufficient to support the recommended charges.
DOJ Spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez said the department will act on the referral promptly while ensuring that the review is conducted fairly and in accordance with existing laws and due process.
Aside from Baldwin, those included in the PNP-CIDG's recommendation are strength and conditioning coaches Grant Dearns and Ceasar Vicent Javellana Elumba; assistant coaches Dean Caesar B. Castaño, Sandro Nicholas Romero Soriano, and Reynaldo Jacinto; student managers Paolo Manuel Maceda Adevoso and Andrew Lorenzo "Drew" Bondoc Salud; physical therapist John Eric Quiambao Rueca; and utility personnel Aris Ramos Pronce and Joel "Boy" Palmiano Rapa.
The DOJ said it will first determine whether the documentary and testimonial evidence submitted by investigators is sufficient before deciding on the next course of action.
The department also said it will refrain from releasing further details on the case while the preliminary investigation is ongoing.
The referral marks the latest development in the investigation into the deaths of the two Ateneo basketball players, as authorities continue to determine whether criminal liability exists under the country's Anti-Hazing Act.
