The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has formally recommended the filing of criminal charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against former Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin and several others in connection with the deaths of two Ateneo student-athletes during a team activity in Aurora.
Officials from the NBI Homicide Division went to the DOJ carrying boxes of documents to formally recommend the filing of complaints.
The NBI recommended filing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in two counts of homicide against Baldwin, six assistant coaches and the team’s physical therapist.
It also recommended charges of simple negligence resulting in homicide against Ateneo’s athletic director, two resort owners and the resort’s co-manager.
The recommendation followed the NBI’s investigation into the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team activity in Aurora.
Before the recommendation was submitted, Baldwin appeared before NBI investigators to answer questions regarding the incident.
According to NBI Director Melvin Matibag, investigators compared Baldwin’s statements with the testimony he had previously given to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to verify the consistency of the information provided.
The investigation focused on the events leading up to the incident, including sea conditions, wave strength, the possible presence of rip currents and the safety measures implemented at the resort.
Investigators examined those factors to determine whether criminal liability could be established.
As part of the investigation, the NBI also interviewed more than 20 members of the Ateneo men’s basketball team, along with the coaching staff, team officials and resort personnel.
The DOJ will evaluate the NBI’s recommendations and supporting documents as part of the complaint process.
