Vince Mangulabnan is no longer among those recommended to face criminal liability in connection with the deaths of Ateneo men’s basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a “team-building” activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8.
Mangulabnan had initially been included in the negligence complaint due to his role in booking the transportation that brought the Ateneo men’s basketball team to Aurora for the activity.
However, in the final recommendation, investigators removed Mangulabnan from the list of respondents after determining that his participation was limited to logistical arrangements and did not extend to the planning, supervision, or execution of the fatal water-resistance drill.
Instead, authorities recommended criminal charges against 12 individuals, with the coaching staff facing the most serious allegations.
Eight members of the basketball program were recommended to be charged with reckless imprudence resulting in two counts of homicide.
They are head coach Tab Baldwin, strength and conditioning coaches CJ Elumba and Grant Dearns, assistant coaches Jon Jacinto, Dean Castaño, Sandro Soriano, and Buboy Domingo, as well as physical therapist Jeric Rueca.
According to the findings, Baldwin allegedly conceived and directed the sea drill despite selecting an open, surf-exposed area and knowing that one of the participants could not swim.
Investigators said the activity proceeded without life vests, lifeguards, or medical and rescue personnel on standby, creating a foreseeable danger that ultimately led to the deaths.
Elumba and Dearns were cited for designing and conducting the conditioning program that culminated in the sea drill without implementing adequate safety measures.
The assistant coaches were likewise recommended for charges after allegedly participating in supervising and conducting the activity without requiring flotation devices or stopping the drill despite the risks.
Rueca, the team’s physical therapist and the only first aid and Basic Life Support-certified health officer present, was also recommended for prosecution.
Investigators said he failed to ensure appropriate medical and evacuation preparations before the activity took place.
Meanwhile, four individuals were recommended to face simple negligence resulting in two counts of homicide.
Among them is University Athletics Office director Em Fernandez, who investigators said failed to establish and enforce institutional athlete-safety protocols, including the absence of an approved activity calendar, medical clearances, and participant consent forms.
Also recommended for charges were Hermanos Resort owners Francisco and Frederick Zubia and co-manager Yedda Rubio.
Investigators said Francisco Zubia allegedly assured organizers that sea conditions were favorable based on an artificial intelligence application instead of obtaining information from competent authorities.
The resort management was likewise cited for allegedly failing to provide accredited lifeguards, proper warning signage, and other safety measures required under local regulations.
Beyond the criminal recommendations, investigators also referred several officials of the Municipality of Dipaculao to the Department of the Interior and Local Government for possible administrative liability over alleged lapses in regulating the resort and enforcing beach safety standards.
