Maji Mangulabnan spoke on behalf of her family after her brother, Vince, was named as a respondent in the reckless imprudence resulting in homicide cases stemming from the deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
On Thursday, the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group released a supplemental referral recommending additional charges on top of the alleged violations of the Anti-Hazing Law in connection with Ateneo de Manila University’s “team-building” activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, last June 8, which resulted in the deaths of the two Blue Eagles.
A homicide charge was also recommended against head coach Tab Baldwin.
Assistant coaches Dean Castaño, Sandro Soriano, and Jon Jacinto; strength and conditioning coaches Grant Dearns and CJ Elumba; and physical therapist Jerick Rueca were likewise recommended to face reckless imprudence resulting in homicide charges before the Department of Justice.
Meanwhile, Ateneo University Athletics Office director Em Fernandez and facilitator Vince Mangulabnan were also recommended to face reckless imprudence resulting in homicide charges.
Maji expressed frustration over her brother’s inclusion in the case.
According to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation, Vince — who, aside from serving as head coach of the Ateneo Men’s Volleyball Team, also works for the UAO — was only tasked by the men’s basketball office to book the team’s bus to Aurora.
“Yes, we will not be silenced,” Maji wrote in a social media post.
“While the investigation is still ongoing, ADMU’s failure to stand by someone who was simply doing his job is already causing irreversible damage to his career, his reputation, and his family’s future. Are you even real, ADMU? Is this really how you stand by the people who tirelessly work for you? May maituro lang talaga noh?”
Earlier in the investigation, Fernandez said that, unlike other athletic programs, the men’s basketball team operates autonomously from the UAO.
The PNP-CIDG is expected to transmit its findings to the DOJ in the coming days.
For now, the Mangulabnan family can only hope for a fair resolution.
“I will not forgive any slander against my brother!”
