Ateneo vows support to student managers, utility staff facing CIDG hazing charges
Amid legal proceedings stemming from the tragic deaths of Ateneo student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, Ateneo de Manila University said it has extended support to student managers and utility staff implicated in the case.
In a statement on Friday night, the university said that it is committed to helping Ateneo men's basketball teams' student managers, Paolo Manuel Adevoso and Andrew Lorenzo Salud, as well as utility staff Aris Ramos Pronce and Joel Palmiano Rapa, who were implicated in the recommended hazing charges.
"Recognizing the unique circumstances and needs of those affected, the University has reached out to them and their families to offer appropriate support and accompaniment throughout the legal process, while respecting that each respondent's rights and interests must be represented independently," they wrote.
"Our foremost concern is the welfare of our students and staff, and the assurance that each of them receives the support, fairness, and due process they deserve," they concluded.
Before this, Ateneo acknowledged the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group's recommendation of filing hazing charges against resigned head coach Tab Baldwin and 10 others.
"We acknowledge the CIDG's recommendation and respect the work it has undertaken in the course of its investigation," it wrote.
"We also recognize that other investigations remain ongoing, and we will continue to cooperate fully with all competent authorities as they complete their respective inquiries, while the CIDG’s recommendation will now be reviewed by the Department of Justice, as provided under the law. We are confident that the facts will be fully and fairly evaluated through the proper process," it continued.
The university also reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, student welfare, campus safety, and institutional responsibility, while pledging continued support for the families and reforms to prevent a similar tragedy.
The PNP-CIDG recommended that the Department of Justice conduct the evaluation, case build-up, and preliminary investigation against the respondents for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act. He noted that the law "penalizes those who actually planned or participated in the hazing if, as a consequence of the hazing, death, rape, sodomy, or mutilation results therefrom."
Also included in the list of recommended respondents are strength and conditioning coaches Grant Dearns and Caesar Vincent Javellana Elumba; assistant coaches Dean Caesar Castaño, Sandro Nicholas Romero Soriano, and Reynaldo Jacinto Jr.; and physical therapist John Eric Rueca.
Assistant Secretary Brian Mey Tomas said the investigation found that the athletes allegedly underwent strenuous drills, disciplinary exercises, and water-based training despite dangerous conditions during the team-building activity.
University president Fr. Roberto Yap said that he has personally met with and repeatedly apologized to the bereaved families of the student-athletes, assuring them of the university's continued support "over several years."
Ateneo is observing a 40-day mourning period in honor of Adili and Baterbonia following their deaths. During this time, the Ateneo flag is flown at half-mast, daily Masses are held at the college chapel, black cloth is draped on campus fences, and celebratory activities are toned down.
