PRELIMINARY investigation has commenced on charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against former Ateneo de Manila University basketball coach Tab Baldwin and eight others in connection with the drowning deaths of two student athletes in June.
Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato explained that the case now being heard differs from the earlier anti‑hazing law complaint filed by the Philippine National Police, noting that the evidence presented by authorities supports the homicide charge under the standards set by Department Circular No. 20, which governs the determination of prima facie evidence.
The first preliminary hearing was held on Monday, August 31. Respondents are scheduled to submit their counter‑affidavits during the second hearing set for September 15. Aside from Baldwin, the respondents are: Grant Dearns, Dean Caesar B. Castaño, Sandro Nicholas Soriano Romero, Reynaldo C. Jacinto Jr., John Eric Quiambao Rueca, Ceasar Vincent Javellana Elumba, Emmanuel Toribio Fernandez, and Vincent Raphael M. Mangulabnan. The penalty for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide does not exceed six years of imprisonment.
The case stems from the tragic deaths of student athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who drowned in Dipaculao, Aurora, while attending a team training and team‑building activity in June. The DOJ’s move to pursue a homicide charge instead of the anti‑hazing law complaint marks a significant shift in the legal proceedings, based on the assessment of available evidence and applicable legal qualifications.
metrosundaily
