MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has recommended filing criminal charges against former Ateneo de Manila University men's basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and 11 others in connection with the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
The NBI Homicide Division on Monday endorsed its findings to the Department of Justice (DOJ), recommending the filing of two counts of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against Baldwin, six assistant coaches, and a physical therapist.
The bureau also recommended the filing of two counts of simple negligence resulting in homicide against Ateneo's athletic director and the three owners of the resort where the June 8 event was held.
NBI Homicide Division Chief Romeo Astrero Jr. personally submitted the case recommendations to the DOJ.
The recommendations stemmed from the NBI's investigation into the drowning of Baterbonia and Adili during a training activity involving the Ateneo Blue Eagles men's basketball team.
More than 20 individuals, including Baldwin, members of the coaching staff, several players, and Ateneo officials, were questioned during the investigation.
Baldwin and the other coaches appeared before NBI investigators in June to submit their sworn statements. Following the tragedy, Baldwin publicly apologized to the victims' families before later resigning as head coach, along with former team manager Epok Quimpo.
The DOJ will evaluate the NBI's findings and determine whether probable cause exists to file the recommended charges in court.
The latest recommendation comes after the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group referred separate complaints to the DOJ, including alleged violations of the Anti-Hazing Act as well as homicide and reckless imprudence resulting in homicide in connection with the same incident.
