The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has stated that there is no justification for charging Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes in connection with the drownings of two teammates, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. This decision comes after the DILG recommended that resigned Ateneo men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and ten of his staff be investigated for potential violations of Republic Act No. 11053, known as the Anti-Hazing Act. According to DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, the student-athletes who participated in the training activity where the fatalities occurred are considered victims rather than perpetrators. He emphasized that the focus should remain on holding accountable those who organized and executed the activity, particularly the coaching staff, as they were the ones who planned and carried out the potentially dangerous exercise.
The tragic incident occurred during a training activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, earlier this month. During this activity, Baterbonia and Adili were swept away by strong waves, resulting in their deaths. The DILG highlighted that the activity involved practices such as forced calisthenics and exposure to harsh weather conditions, both of which fall under the definition of hazing as outlined in RA No. 11053. These practices are deemed illegal and punishable under the Anti-Hazing Act, which aims to protect students from harmful activities conducted under the guise of team-building or training.
Remulla reiterated that the primary responsibility lies with the individuals who orchestrated the activity, specifically the coaches and staff. He pointed out that the DILG’s recommendation centers around the accountability of these individuals, emphasizing that the student-athletes themselves were not involved in the planning or execution of the activity. Therefore, they should not bear any legal consequences for the tragic outcome.
The DILG also underscored the broader implications of the incident, highlighting the need for institutions to ensure the safety and well-being of their students. Remulla mentioned that the tragedy raises concerns about the measures taken by educational institutions to safeguard their students from abusive practices. He called for a thorough examination of how schools can maintain a secure environment free from hazing and other forms of abuse. This includes evaluating the responsibilities of universities in protecting their students, particularly when they act in loco parentis, meaning they assume the role of parents in ensuring the welfare of their students.
Furthermore, the DILG indicated that the final determination regarding the involvement of additional individuals, such as student managers and utility staff, would rest with the Department of Justice (DOJ). While the DILG recommended that these individuals be considered for charges, it acknowledged that the DOJ might decide to exclude them if they can demonstrate that they were unaware of the activity's harmful intentions. This flexibility allows for a more nuanced approach to the legal proceedings, taking into account the circumstances and knowledge of each individual involved.
The incident has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of educational institutions in preventing such tragedies. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on determining the extent of liability for the university and its administration. The DILG has urged the DOJ to thoroughly examine whether the university failed in its duty to protect its students, despite claims from university officials that they were unaware of the activity prior to the incident. This ongoing inquiry underscores the importance of transparency and accountability within educational institutions to prevent future occurrences of similar tragedies.
6 reports
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 854 days agoThe Department of Justice (DOJ) is considering whether to charge student managers and ball boys associated with the Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball team under the Anti-Hazing Act. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that the decision lies with the DOJ, noting that the law holds all individuals present during hazing activities accountable. The recommendation includes former coach Tab Baldwin and 10 others, including student managers Paolo Adevoso and Andrew Salud, and utility/ball boys Aris Pronce and Joel Rapa, due to their presence during the incident that led to the deaths of players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. Pronce’s daughter has raised concerns about his inclusion, asserting he had no role in planning or approving the event.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information from official sources (Interior Secretary Remulla) regarding legal recommendations and does not take a clear ideological stance. It provides balanced reporting on the legal process and includes quotes from authorities without overtly favoring one side. The framing is
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): Accurately reflects DILG's stance on DOJ's discretion regarding inclusion of student managers and ball boys. Maintains neutrality in explaining legal definitions and potential exclusions.
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 88Objective 854 days ago DILG: No reason to charge Ateneo student-athletes over drowningsThe Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) stated there is no basis to charge Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes involved in a training activity where two players, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, drowned. The DILG had previously recommended charging head coach Tab Baldwin and ten staff members under the Anti-Hazing Act (RA No. 11053) for their roles in the incident. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla clarified that the student-athletes were victims of the violent training, not perpetrators, and emphasized holding accountable those responsible for planning the activity. He called for broader discussions on preventing hazing and ensuring school safety.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the DILG's position without overtly favoring any political side. It reports on the department's stance and recommendations without taking a clear ideological slant, though it highlights the legal framework and calls for accountability, which could be seen as slightly leaning in
Why these scores (Factual 88 · Objective 85): Reports accurately on DILG's position that student-athletes shouldn't be charged, focusing on the duty of the institution. Neutral in tone despite emphasis on institutional responsibility.
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 87Objective 864 days ago DILG: DOJ probe must determine if Ateneo liable over drowningsThe Philippine Daily Inquirer reports that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating whether Ateneo de Manila University is legally responsible for the deaths of two student-athletes who drowned during a training activity in Aurora. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla emphasized that the university has a legal duty to ensure student safety under the 'in loco parentis' principle. He stated that the investigation aims to determine if the institution failed to prevent the incident, which involved former coach Tab Baldwin and his staff. The DOJ is considering charges under Republic Act No. 11053, the Anti-Hazing Act, against Baldwin and 10 staff members. Ateneo's leadership reportedly did not know about the activity until after the tragedy occurred.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the government's stance on holding Ateneo accountable under existing laws, but does not take a clear ideological position. It reports on the official recommendation for legal action without overtly criticizing or praising the university or the administration. The framing remains
Why these scores (Factual 87 · Objective 86): Consistent with previous reports on DILG's consideration of excluding certain staff members. Neutral in presenting Remulla's statements and the CIDG's recommendations.
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 80yesterday More charges recommended vs Baldwin, 8 others – PNPThe Philippine National Police (PNP) has recommended additional charges against former Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and eight other individuals for their alleged involvement in the fatal drownings of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a training activity in Aurora on June 8. The charges include two counts of homicide and two counts of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) cited factors such as failure to exercise due diligence, creation of a dangerous situation, and direct causation between negligence and the deaths. Previously, Baldwin and ten others were charged under the Anti-Hazing Act. The CIDG has assured the Baterbonia family that it is building an 'airtight case' and has deployed PNP lawyers to oversee the investigation.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information regarding legal proceedings and does not take a clear ideological stance. It reports on the recommendations made by the PNP and includes quotes from official statements without apparent bias. While the incident involves a high-profile individual and potential
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): Factual accuracy is high, reporting on the PNP's recommendation of charges against Baldwin and others based on the drownings. Objectivity is good but slightly tilted toward the legal action, using terms like 'reckless imprudence' which may imply judgment.
RapplerIndependentCenterFactual 82Objective 804 days agoPhilippines' Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that Ateneo de Manila University student managers and utility staff might be excluded from charges related to the drowning deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building event. The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP CIDG) had recommended charging 11 individuals, including former Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin and others, under the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018. Remulla noted that if it could be shown these individuals were unaware of the activity's harmful intent, they might be removed from the list of accused or become witnesses instead. The incident involved activities deemed hazing under the law, such as forced calisthenics and exposure to harsh conditions, despite knowledge that some students could not swim.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information from official sources and quotes government officials without overtly favoring one side. It reports on legal proceedings and potential charges without using biased language or omitting significant perspectives.
Why these scores (Factual 82 · Objective 80): Reports Baldwin's admission about lacking a work permit, which aligns with official statements. Slightly less objective in emphasizing the legal implications of his lack of permit.
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenter4 days ago Tab Baldwin admits not having required permit to work in PHFormer Ateneo de Manila University men's basketball coach Tab Baldwin, a dual citizen of the United States and New Zealand, admitted during a hearing with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that he did not hold a valid Alien Employment Permit (AEP) while working in the Philippines since 2013. The AEP is a mandatory requirement for foreign nationals working in the country under Philippine labor laws. Baldwin claimed he had never received a completed AEP and only possessed a partially filled-out application form from 2015. His legal counsel argued that Baldwin's permanent visa status might exempt him from needing an AEP, but DOLE clarified that a Certificate of Exemption (COE) would still be required under current regulations. Baldwin's case will be revisited in a hearing scheduled for July 9.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the situation objectively, quoting both Baldwin and his legal counsel, as well as DOLE officials. It does not favor one side over the other and provides the necessary legal context regarding the requirements for foreign workers in the Philippines. There is no evident bias in the
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