The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has recommended the filing of criminal charges against several members of the Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball program, notably head coach Tab Baldwin, following the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) received the findings of the NBI Task Force Baterbonia and Adili on Monday after weeks of investigation into the 8 June incident that claimed the lives of the two players.
Baterbonia, 18, and Adili, 21, drowned after they, along with two other teammates, were swept away by strong waves during a water activity at Hermanos Leisure & Agri-Farm Resort in Barangay Libis. While two players were rescued, Baterbonia and Adili did not survive.
NBI Report Recommends Criminal Charges
Based on the NBI Homicide Division’s report, investigators recommended filing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in two counts of homicide against Baldwin, assistant coaches Dean Castaño, Sandro Soriano, Jon Jacinto, and Buboy Domingo, strength and conditioning coaches CJ Elumba and Grant Dearns, and physical therapist Jerick Rueca.
Dearns has since returned to New Zealand following the incident.
The NBI also recommended filing charges of simple negligence resulting in two counts of homicide against Ateneo athletic director Em Fernandez, Hermanos Leisure & Agri-Farm Resort owners Francisco and Fredrick Zubia, and resort manager Yedda Rubio.
Domingo’s inclusion emerged as one of the notable developments in the investigation. He was not initially identified among those under scrutiny but was later included after multiple affidavits from players who joined the team-building activity consistently mentioned his involvement.
Investigators likewise recommended charges against the resort’s management, citing its alleged role in the incident.
Francisco Zubia, one of the resort owners, is a former Philippine National Police director who also ran for mayor of Baler, Aurora, in the 2013 elections.
Other Findings and Next Steps
Meanwhile, facilities officer and Ateneo men’s volleyball head coach Vince Mangulabnan was no longer included in the recommendations after investigators found that his role was limited to logistical preparations and did not extend to the conduct of the team-building activities.
The complainants listed in the case include Baterbonia’s mother, Rovelyn Baterbonia, the Embassy of Nigeria, and the NBI.
The DOJ will now conduct its own review of the NBI’s findings to determine whether there is probable cause to formally file the recommended charges before the courts.
