The Department of Justice has begun its preliminary investigation into the criminal complaints filed against former Ateneo de Manila University basketball coach Tab Baldwin and eight others in connection with the deaths of two Blue Eagles student-athletes.
DOJ Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato said Thursday that prosecutors handling the case had already held the first preliminary investigation hearing on Aug. 31.
The respondents are facing complaints for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide over the deaths of Ateneo basketball players Rene Clert Baterbonia, 19, and Divine Adili, 21.
“The second one is on Sept. 15 which is the submission of the counter affidavit of the respondents,” Dato said during a press briefing.
Aside from Baldwin, the other respondents are Ceasar Vicente Elumba, Grant Dearns, Reynaldo Jacinto, Jr., Dean Caesar Castano, John Eric Rueca, Emmanuel Fernandez and Vincent Raphael Mangulabnan.
The complaint was filed by the National Bureau of Investigation after completing its probe into the incident.
Baterbonia and Adili drowned on June 8 during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
The DOJ is also assessing a separate complaint lodged by the police against Baldwin and other individuals over an alleged violation of the Anti-Hazing Act in relation to the deaths of the two student-athletes.
The preliminary investigation will determine whether there is sufficient basis to pursue criminal charges against the respondents. (Adrian Co)
