INTERIOR and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Secretary Brian Tomas has stated that elements of a violation under the Anti‑Hazing Law appear to be present during the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ team‑building activity held in Dipaculao, Aurora. The assessment comes following a thorough review of reports and accounts gathered from the incident, which turned tragic after two participants lost their lives.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already recommended the filing of hazing charges against former head coach Tab Baldwin and other members of the coaching staff involved in the activity. The recommendation was issued after investigators established that the event went beyond standard team‑building exercises and included practices that fall under the definition of hazing as defined by law. The activity resulted in the drowning of student‑athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, raising serious questions about the safety and legality of the procedures conducted.
Under the Anti‑Hazing Act of 2018, any form of initiation or rite that inflicts physical or psychological suffering, regardless of consent, is prohibited. Tomas noted that even if the activity was presented as a bonding or training exercise, the presence of mandatory, strenuous, and risky tasks that endangered the participants’ well‑being satisfies key elements of the offense. Authorities emphasized that the responsibility to ensure the safety of students and athletes rests heavily on those organizing and supervising such gatherings.
This development serves as a reminder to schools, sports organizations, and groups that team‑building activities must adhere strictly to safety standards and legal requirements. The DILG and PNP have vowed to see the investigation through to ensure accountability, while also issuing a reminder that no activity — whether for discipline or unity — should ever put lives at risk. The case also highlights the need for stricter oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.
