Justice appears to be one step closer for the families of Ateneo Blue Eagles student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has recommended the filing of complaints for alleged violations of the Anti-Hazing Act against former Ateneo men's basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and 10 members of the team's coaching and support staff.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced the recommendation during a press briefing on Friday, June 27, 2026.
He states that the matter will now be evaluated by the Department of Justice (DOJ), which will determine whether there is sufficient basis to proceed with a preliminary investigation and what charges may eventually be filed.
Aside from Baldwin, those included in the CIDG recommendation are strength and conditioning coaches Grant Dearns and Caesar Vincent Javellana Elumba.
Also named were assistant coaches Dean Caesar Castaño, Sandro Nicholas Romero Soriano, and Reynaldo Jacinto Jr.
Student managers Paolo Manuel Maceda Adevoso and Andrew Lorenzo "Drew" Bondoc Salud were likewise recommended to face complaints, along with physical therapist John Eric Quiambao Rueca.
Finally, utility personnel Aris Ramos Pronce and Joel Palmiano Rapa rounded up the list of respondents.
Rene, 18, and Divine, 21, died after drowning during the second day of what was described as a team-building and training activity on June 8, 2026.
Read: Divine Adili laid to rest in Nigeria as family bids final goodbye
Why investigators believe the Anti-Hazing Act may apply
In a July 26 report by Philippine Daily Inquirer, Remulla was quoted as saying that the Anti-Hazing Act is no longer limited to fraternity initiation rites.
He explained that under the revised law, hazing may also include acts that inflict physical or psychological suffering as a requirement for admission or continued membership in an organization.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Secretary Brian Mey Tomas said investigators found that three elements of hazing may have been present during the Aurora activity.
First, authorities cited the deaths of Rene and Divine as evidence of physical suffering.
Second, investigators said the activity allegedly served as part of the selection process for Ateneo's final UAAP roster.
Twenty players attended the camp, but only 17 were expected to make the final lineup to be submitted for UAAP Season 88.
Third, investigators pointed to the physical activities conducted throughout the day, including the sea-based exercise where the drowning incident occurred.
Based on the players' itinerary, participants were reportedly awakened by a siren at 4 a.m. before being ordered to complete a four-kilometer run.
The day's schedule allegedly continued with physically demanding games and punishment exercises for losing participants before the team proceeded to the open sea later that afternoon.
Authorities also said the players were exposed to hazardous sea conditions, including rip currents, strong waves, and changing seabed depths.
Remulla added that Baldwin had allegedly been informed that five players, including Divine, did not know how to swim.
Instead of removing them from the activity, Baldwin allegedly briefed them on how to deal with rip currents.
"The problem is, how do you teach someone who doesn't know how to swim to deal with rip currents?" Remulla mentioned during the briefing.
Read: Baterbonia and Adili families seek accountability from Ateneo; present five demands
The Interior secretary also cited testimonies from former Ateneo players who claimed similar near-drowning incidents occurred during a 2016 training camp in the same area.
One former player allegedly recalled nearly drowning before being rescued, while another said Baldwin himself helped save a teammate during that earlier activity.
Remulla said these accounts contradict Baldwin's earlier statement that no previous drowning scare had occurred in Dipaculao.
Following its investigation, the CIDG submitted its recommendation to the DOJ, which confirmed it has received the referral.
Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano's successor, DOJ spokesperson Jose Dominic "Polo" Martinez, said the department will first conduct an initial evaluation to determine whether the evidence submitted is complete and sufficient for further proceedings.
If found sufficient, the case may proceed to preliminary investigation. Otherwise, it may be returned to the CIDG for additional case buildup.
The DOJ also said other possible charges, including homicide or reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, may be considered if warranted by the evidence.
In a statement, Ateneo de Manila University spokesperson Fr. RB Hizon, SJ, said it acknowledged the CIDG's recommendation and respected the work conducted during the investigation.
Hizon reportedly added: "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."
The university added that it would continue cooperating with all ongoing investigations while reaffirming its commitment to accountability, student welfare, and institutional safety.
Meanwhile, Baldwin, Jacinto, Castaño, and Soriano have been placed under an immigration lookout bulletin order.
The order does not prohibit them from leaving the country but allows authorities to monitor any attempt to depart the Philippines.
Remulla also said he would recommend the issuance of a hold departure order (HDO) against Baldwin, who holds American and New Zealand citizenship.
According to the Interior secretary, he has already advised the resigned Ateneo coach not to leave the country.
Remulla said Baldwin responded by saying, "I do not plan on going anywhere."
Also on Friday, Ateneo president Fr. Roberto "Bobby" Yap appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to give his statement regarding the Aurora team-building activity.
"We have condoled, we have apologized, and we continue to support them. We have provided assistance and we will continue to support them," Yap said, referring to the families of the two student-athletes.
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