Several staff members of Ateneo de Manila University are expected to face charges before the Department of Justice for their alleged involvement in the deaths of players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team camp in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8.
Speaking to reporters at Camp Crame on Wednesday, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the agency is preparing to move to the next phase of due process to hold accountable those found responsible for the incident.
“We are counting about, more or less, about 11 or 10 individuals,” said the 55-year-old official.
Since the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group launched its investigation into the tragic events in Dipaculao, past and present Blue Eagles, university officials, and members of the coaching staff have appeared at Camp Crame since June 15 to provide information on what transpired during the team camp.
The PNP is now preparing to complete its investigation and forward its findings for possible prosecution against those implicated in the case.
“Kung titignan ninyo, of course, there is death, ‘no? Pagka mayroong death, is there a criminal liability — whether negligence or leading to the violation of the Anti-Hazing Law if pupunta roon,” said Nartatez.
“Basta, we have a case, and it’s up to the prosecution to file the case. Basta kami, we will forward or refer these records of investigation to the prosecution, at sila ang huhusga.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the PNP is expected to submit its findings to the DOJ on Friday to advance the legal process.
Nartatez, however, was more cautious about setting a definite timeline, though he expressed hope that the submission could be completed soon.
“Pagdadasal ko the soonest,” he said.
“Maybe after this week, we can already have our concrete recommendations and records of investigation being referred to the Department of Justice.”
