The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has recommended the filing of criminal charges against former Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and 11 others over the deaths of two student-athletes during a training activity in Aurora.
The recommendation was submitted to the Department of Justice after the NBI’s Homicide Division completed its investigation into the June 8 drowning incident in Dipaculao, Aurora.
Investigators recommended filing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against Baldwin, six assistant coaches, and the university’s physical therapist.
The NBI also sought the filing of simple negligence resulting in homicide charges against Ateneo’s athletic director and three owners of the resort where the incident occurred.
The case stemmed from the deaths of Ateneo players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who drowned during the team’s training activity.
As part of the investigation, NBI agents interviewed university officials, including Ateneo President Roberto Yap, along with Baldwin and members of the coaching staff.
More than 20 current and former Ateneo men’s basketball players, as well as utility personnel and resort employees, also gave statements to investigators.
The Department of Justice will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to file the recommended charges before the courts.
