320 Hours of Interviews

The CIDG conducted a total of 320 hours of interviews with around 60 respondents, including former Ateneo players who recounted near-drowning incidents during previous editions of the Blue Eagles' team building.

### Former Players Testified

Among those who testified were Aaron Black and Gboy Babilonia, who told investigators they were on the verge of drowning before they were saved by the coaches. Contrary to Baldwin's claim that there was no incident that even created the idea of drowning, his former players testified that they nearly drowned.

### CIDG Director's Statement

CIDG Director Major General Robert Morico reiterated that the players, including Baterbonia and Adili, were not wearing weights during the seawater activity. Morico stated that the elements of the Anti-Hazing Law – exposure to weather and forced calisthenics – were present, which resulted in the drowning of Baterbonia and Adili.

### University Administrators Unaware

While Ateneo may face civil liability over the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said university administrators were not aware of the seawater activity. Ateneo president Fr. Roberto Yap and athletics director Em Fernandez only found out after the incident.

### DOJ to Conduct Preliminary Investigation

The Department of Justice (DOJ) received the recommendation of the CIDG and will conduct a preliminary investigation on the matter. The DOJ will determine whether the evidence submitted is complete and sufficient for further proceedings.

### Former Ateneo Basketball Players on Verge of Drowning

In 2019, former Ateneo basketball players reported experiencing near-drowning incidents during the Blue Eagles' team-building in Dipaculao, Aurora. A report from the Philippine Daily Inquirer revealed that players were forced to perform strenuous calisthenics while wearing weights, despite the heat and humidity.

### Charges Filed Against Tab Baldwin and 10 Others

The CIDG filed a complaint for violation of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 against Tab Baldwin and 10 others, including his assistant coaches and strength and conditioning coaches. The charges include physical or psychological suffering, prerequisite for admission or requirement for continuing membership, and forced calisthenics and exposure to weather.

### No Charges Filed Against University Administrators

The CIDG did not file any charges against Ateneo president Fr. Roberto Yap and athletics director Em Fernandez, citing that they were not aware of the seawater activity. Remulla stated that the university administrators were not involved in the planning or execution of the team-building.

### Ateneo Sponsors Unaware of Team-Building Activities

The CIDG also cleared MVP Foundation and Smart Communications, which are headed by longtime Ateneo patron and businessman Manny V. Pangilinan, of any involvement in the team-building activities. Remulla stated that the sponsors were not aware of the event and therefore cannot be held liable for any wrongdoing.

### What Happens Next

The CIDG has filed the complaint against Baldwin and 10 others, and the DOJ will conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether the evidence submitted is complete and sufficient for further proceedings. If found guilty, the individuals involved may face imprisonment and fines.

### Key Facts

  • 320 hours of interviews conducted by the CIDG
  • 60 respondents interviewed by the CIDG, including former Ateneo players
  • Aaron Black and Gboy Babilonia testified that they nearly drowned during a previous team-building event
  • CIDG Director Major General Robert Morico stated that the elements of the Anti-Hazing Law were present during the team-building activity
  • Ateneo president Fr. Roberto Yap and athletics director Em Fernandez claimed they were not aware of the team-building activity
  • DOJ to conduct preliminary investigation on the matter
  • Charges filed against 11 individuals, including Tab Baldwin and his coaches