Ateneo de Manila University on Thursday disputed the inclusion of its University Athletics Office in the Philippine National Police’s supplemental referral recommending homicide-related charges over the deaths of Blue Eagles Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a “team-building” activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
In a statement released Thursday evening, university spokesperson Fr. RB Hizon, SJ said the school “respectfully but firmly” disagrees with the conclusion that the UAO, headed by Em Fernandez, planned, organized, and executed the June 8 activity.
The statement came a day after the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group recommended the filing of homicide-related complaints before the Department of Justice against former Ateneo men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and several other respondents.
Fernandez, the university’s athletics director, and facilities officer and men’s volleyball team head coach Vince Mangulabnan were among those added as respondents in the homicide-related case.
In disputing the referral, Ateneo argued that the University Athletics Office should not be held responsible for the planning and execution of the activity.
This position is consistent with Fernandez’s earlier testimony, in which he said the Ateneo men’s basketball program operates autonomously from the UAO.
While the athletics office provides administrative and logistical support to varsity teams, the men’s basketball office independently manages its own operations, including the planning and conduct of team activities.
According to Fr. Hizon, the supplemental referral based its findings on the fact that Mangulabnan facilitated the chartered bus used by the team.
However, the university argued that providing transportation arrangements should not be equated with organizing or supervising the activity itself.
“The Referral itself cites, as the basis for implicating the UAO, that the chartered bus used by the team was facilitated by Vince Mangulabnan, a member of the UAO staff,” Fr. Hizon said.
“Standing alone, the administrative facilitation of transportation does not establish that the UAO planned, organized, or directed the activity itself.”
Fr. Hizon also emphasized that neither Fernandez nor Mangulabnan was present in Dipaculao during the team-building activity.
“It is likewise undisputed that neither Emmanuel Fernandez nor Vince Mangulabnan was present in Dipaculao during the activity. Their absence underscores the need to distinguish between providing logistical assistance and exercising responsibility for the planning, supervision, or execution of the event.”
The university added that the issue should ultimately be resolved through the legal process.
“These are matters that will ultimately be addressed through the appropriate legal process. We remain confident that a full and objective examination of the evidence will establish the respective roles and responsibilities of those involved,” Fr. Hizon said.
Earlier on Thursday, Ateneo president Fr. Bobby Yap, SJ called on members of the university community to allow the judicial process to proceed without speculation after learning that criminal charges had been recommended against several members of the university.
“The University respects the legal process and will continue to cooperate with the authorities. It will provide whatever assistance and support to these persons as they exercise their rights and defend themselves throughout the process,” Fr. Yap said.
He also urged the Ateneo community to avoid “trial by publicity,” stressing that justice requires facts to be tested fairly and the rights of all parties to be respected.
“As we continue to grieve the tragic loss of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, let us remain united in prayer for their families, for those who now face these legal proceedings, and for our entire University community. May we all be guided by truth, justice, compassion, and hope in the days ahead,” Fr. Yap added.
Last Wednesday, the PNP announced that the CIDG had recommended the filing of complaints for homicide against Baldwin and reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide against him and eight other respondents following its investigation into the fatal June 8 incident.
Baldwin and 11 others had earlier been charged with alleged violations of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.
Among those previously charged were assistant coaches Dean Castaño, Sandro Soriano, Jon Jacinto, strength and conditioning coaches Grant Dearns and CJ Elumba, and physical therapist Jerick Rueca.
The PNP said it continues to coordinate with the Department of Justice as the legal process moves forward.
