Ateneo assures support for students, staff named in CIDG hazing probe

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo de Manila University said it respects the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s (PNP-CIDG) recommendation to file anti-hazing charges against former men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and 10 others, as it assured support for students and personnel affected by the case.

In separate statements released on Friday, June 26, Ateneo spokesperson Fr. RB Hizon SJ said the university recognizes the CIDG’s work in investigating the Aurora team-building activity that resulted in the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

"We acknowledge the CIDG's recommendation and respect the work it has undertaken in the course of its investigation," Hizon said.

The CIDG recommended the conduct of evaluation, case build-up and preliminary investigation by the Department of Justice for alleged violations of Republic Act 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act against the respondents.

Aside from Baldwin, those included in the recommendation were members of the coaching staff, student managers Paolo Manuel Adevoso and Andrew Lorenzo Salud, physical therapist John Eric Quiambao Rueca, and utility/ball boys Aris Ramos Pronce and Joel Palmiano Rapa.

Ateneo said other investigations remain ongoing and that it will continue cooperating with authorities as they complete their respective inquiries.

The university added that the CIDG recommendation will undergo review by the Department of Justice.

"We are confident that the facts will be fully and fairly evaluated through the proper process," Hizon said.

Support amid legal process

In a separate statement, Ateneo addressed concerns involving the students and staff members named in the CIDG recommendation, saying it has reached out to them and their families to provide support throughout the legal process.

"We share the concerns and anxiety that this situation has caused our students, including our student managers, Paolo Manuel Adevoso  and Andrew Lorenzo Salud and utility ball boys, Aris Ramos Pronce and Joel Palmiano Rapa," Hizon said.

The university said it recognizes the unique circumstances and needs of those affected, while ensuring that each respondent’s rights and interests are represented independently.

"The University has reached out to them and their families to offer appropriate support and accompaniment throughout the legal process, while respecting that each respondent's rights and interests must be represented independently," the statement read.

"Our foremost concern is the welfare of our students and staff, and the assurance that each of them receives the support, fairness, and due process they deserve," it added.

Why hazing?

The Anti-Hazing Act was considered in the investigation after authorities said hazing is no longer limited to traditional initiation rites involving paddling, humiliation, or other forms of violence.

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said the revised law defines hazing as any act that results in physical or psychological suffering, harm, or injury inflicted on a recruit, neophyte, applicant, or member, including forced calisthenics and exposure to weather.

Authorities said the Aurora team-building activity was conducted to determine the final roster of 17 athletes who would be submitted by Baldwin to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) board. Twenty athletes participated, meaning three would be eliminated.

Baterbonia was laid to rest on Wednesday in his hometown of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, while Adili’s remains were returned to his family in Nigeria.