Ateneo disputes CIDG's conclusion on Athletics Office's alleged involvement in drowning tragedy
Ateneo de Manila University said it "respectfully but firmly disputes" CIDG's conclusion that the University Athletics Office had a role in planning and carrying out the team-building activity that led to the tragic deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
In a statement issued by university spokesperson Fr. RB Hizon on July 2, Ateneo stressed that the office's administrative facilitation of transportation "does not establish that the UAO planned, organized, or directed the activity itself."
"The Supplemental Referral attributes responsibility to the University Athletics Office (UAO), headed by Emmanuel Fernandez, for allegedly planning, organizing, and executing the team-building activity in Dipaculao," it began.
"Based on the facts presently known to the University, we respectfully but firmly dispute that conclusion. The Referral itself cites, as the basis for implicating the UAO, that the chartered bus used by the team was facilitated by Vince Mangulabnan, a member of the UAO staff. Standing alone, the administrative facilitation of transportation does not establish that the UAO planned, organized, or directed the activity itself," it added.
ADMU noted that neither Fernandez nor Mangulabnan was present in Dipaculao during the activity.
"It is likewise undisputed that neither Emmanuel Fernandez nor Vince Mangulabnan was present in Dipaculao during the activity. Their absence underscores the need to distinguish between providing logistical assistance and exercising responsibility for the planning, supervision, or execution of the event," it said.
"These are matters that will ultimately be addressed through the appropriate legal process. We remain confident that a full and objective examination of the evidence will establish the respective roles and responsibilities of those involved," it concluded.
Volleyball player Maji Mangulabnan earlier criticized the inclusion of her brother, Vince, in CIDG's recommendation.
"Yes, we will not be silenced. While the investigation is still ongoing, ADMU’s failure to stand by someone who was simply doing his job is already causing irreversible damage to his career, his reputation, and his family’s future," she wrote in her Facebook post.
"Are you even real, ADMU? Is this really how you stand by the people who tirelessly work for you? May maituro lang talaga noh? I will not forgive slander against my brother!" she added.
Ateneo reaffirms support for staff
Ateneo President Fr. Roberto "Bobby" Yap reaffirmed the university's support for staff implicated in the case.
"The University respects the legal process and will continue to cooperate with the authorities. It will provide whatever assistance and support to these persons as they exercise their rights and defend themselves throughout the process," Yap said in his July 2 memorandum.
He urged the Ateneo community to allow the legal process to proceed without speculation or prejudice.
"I ask every member of the Ateneo community to allow the legal process to proceed free from speculation, prejudice, or trial by publicity. Our justice system demands that facts be tested, evidence be weighed fairly, and the rights of all parties be respected," he continued.
"As we continue to grieve the tragic loss of ♱Rene Baterbonia and ♱Divine Adili, let us remain united in prayer for their families, for those who now face these legal proceedings, and for our entire University community," he added. "May we all be guided by truth, justice, compassion, and hope in the days ahead."
Baterbonia and Adili passed away on June 8 after drowning during the Ateneo Blue Eagles' team-building activity.
On June 26, the CIDG previously recommended that the DOJ launch a preliminary investigation into possible violations of the Anti-Hazing Act involving resigned Ateneo men's basketball coach Tab Baldwin and 10 other individuals. The respondents named in the recommendation include five members of the coaching staff, two student managers, the team's physical therapist, and two utility personnel/ball boys.
On July 1, the CIDG recommended filing two counts of homicide and two counts of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against Baldwin and eight others over the tragedy.
Ateneo is observing a 40-day mourning period in honor of the late student-athletes.
