MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo de Manila University said on Friday that it offered legal support to its men's basketball team student managers Paolo Manuel Adevoso and Andrew Lorenzo Salud as well as utility staff Aris Ramos Pronce and Joel Palmiano Rapa who may face hazing charges.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) recommended to the Department of Justice on Friday that resigned-Blue Eagles basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and 10 other people including Adevoso, Salud, Ponce, and Rapa be charged for their alleged violation of the Anti-Hazing Act in Ateneo's team-building activity that led to the deaths of players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili in Aurora on June 8.
"We share the concerns and anxiety that this situation has caused our students, including our student managers, Paolo Manuel Adevoso and Andrew Lorenzo Salud, and our utility staff, Aris Ramos Pronce and Joel Palmiano Rapa," Ateneo wrote in a statement.
"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.
"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."
The other six people in DILG's recommendation list are strength and conditioning coaches Grant Dearns and Ceasar Vincent Javellana Elumba; assistant coaches Dean Caesar Castaño, Sandro Nicholas Romero Soriano, and Reynaldo Jacinto as well as physical therapist John Eric Quiambao Rueca.
