Legal representative of Ateneo Blue Eagles coach refutes allegations of hazing and homicide in the deaths of student-athletes during team building activities.
The lawyer representing one of the coaches of the Ateneo Blue Eagles men’s basketball team has officially denied allegations that hazing or homicide were factors in the deaths of two student-athletes, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, which occurred during a team building exercise in Dipaculao, Aurora. According to the lawyer, Pelagio Cuison, who spoke on behalf of coach Reynaldo Jacinto, a 20-year veteran of the team, the incident was accidental and unintentional. Cuison emphasized that the activities conducted were standard team training exercises such as running and burpees, with no form of torture involved. The lawyer further dismissed the notion of excessive exercise or intentional harm.
Ateneo player EK Kapihe expressed solidarity with the basketball team, mourning the loss of their teammates. Head coach Tab Baldwin did not appear before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) due to health reasons, as explained by his lawyer Karl David. While Baldwin’s wife had made serious allegations, her lawyer stated that the focus remains on the ongoing investigation.
Assistant coach Sandro Soriano is reportedly undergoing counseling due to emotional distress and is receptive to cooperating with authorities. Coaches’ lawyers conveyed intentions to facilitate their clients’ cooperation with the NBI probe, despite their absence from initial inquiries.
The Ateneo de Manila University administration stated they have not received any complaints regarding student safety related to this matter. University President Fr. Roberto Yap affirmed the institution’s commitment to addressing serious allegations impartially and maintaining integrity without shielding any individuals.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/991696/lawyer-of-ateneo-basketball-coach-dismisses-hazing-homicide-in-deaths-of-rene-baterbonia-divine-adili/story/
