As calls for justice intensify following the deaths of Ateneo de Manila University basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, the Philippine National Police said it is continuing to pursue all possible angles in its investigation, including a potential indictment under the Anti-Hazing Law.
PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed this during a press briefing on Thursday at Camp Crame, noting that investigators are examining all dimensions of the incident, including possible non-physical forms of hazing.
“There’s a possibility that probably there can be an indictment for violation of the Anti-Hazing Law,” Nartatez said.
“That’s why we are investigating. Ang hazing naman, not necessarily physical contact or what — pagka merong emotional, ‘yun, puwede rin.”
The statement came amid a series of appearances at Camp Crame. Since Tuesday, several former and current Blue Eagles have reported to the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group office after being subpoenaed.
They have provided accounts of the June 8 incident in Dipaculao, Aurora, while also shedding light on the nature of head coach Tab Baldwin’s teambuilding activities.
Former and current players — including Mike Nieto, Geo Chiu, Dom Escobar, Kieffer Alas, Ian Espinosa, Andrew Bongo, and Shawn Tuano — were among those who appeared at the CIDG.
Ateneo assistant coach Sandro Soriano also arrived on Thursday morning to cooperate with the investigation.
More individuals are expected to appear in the coming days, with Baldwin himself set to give his statement on Friday.
“When I checked and nagbigay ng briefing nung Director ng CIDG and the rest of the investigators, ‘di pa nakukumpleto yung group because may mga personal din silang mga trabaho or ginagawa—some are abroad, kaya ‘di pa nakukumpleto,” Nartatez said. “But soon, makukumpleto din sila, including their testimonies, kasi cooperative naman sila. They should cooperate.
“Basically, pare-parehas lang naman yung sinasabi nila, and, of course, even the minute details ay makikita natin. That’s why we are comparing it to one another — dapat yun maging consistent kasi siyempre, merong student, merong player, merong part of the school, merong yung coach, merong yung staff. So, kukumpletuhin natin, so about eighty percent confirmed.”
With the inquiry ongoing, Nartatez said investigators will formally seek statements from the victims’ families. He also noted that the PNP has observed circumstances that may point to institutional shortcomings by Ateneo officials, which are currently being documented.
When asked about possible charges or the number of individuals who may be held liable, the PNP chief declined to name specific persons but stressed that the investigation is moving toward formal indictments.
“We are leading to that. ‘Di pa natin masasabi, but we are leading to that,” he said.
“Kailangan pa ng investigation — ‘yan din naman ang sasabihin ng Director. ‘Di pa natin masabi kung with definite numbers, kung sino, at saka anong case.”
