Authorities are not ruling out hazing as one of the possible angles in the investigation into the deaths of Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said the probe is looking into whether excessive physical activities or forced training practices were imposed on players considered as neophytes or junior members of the team, which could fall under hazing-related violations depending on the circumstances.
CIDG Director PMGen. Robert Alexander Morico II said investigators are also examining the participation of coaching staff, team members, and other individuals to determine the origin of reported bruises found on the victims’ bodies.
Morico also disclosed that Baterbonia, 19, was reportedly not yet officially enrolled when he participated in the team-building activity.
Earlier reports indicated that the victims were found with bruises on their bodies, although autopsy results showed that the cause of death was asphyxia due to drowning.
Authorities said the initial police assessment that there was no foul play is now part of the continuing review, especially after the removal of a provincial police director who had made the earlier public statement.
Investigators are also studying whether the activities conducted by the Blue Eagles basketball program may fall under hazing rules under the guidelines of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), particularly given reports that the program is funded and managed through a private foundation linked to Smart Communications.
