Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed a complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against nine individuals in connection with the deaths of Ateneo student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. In a recent press briefing, Justice Undersecretary Ian Dato confirmed that the prosecutors have commenced a preliminary investigation with the first hearing already conducted.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DOJ indicated that a separate complaint concerning potential violations of Republic Act (RA) 11053, also known as the Anti-Hazing Act, is still under case build-up. The DOJ utilizes a circular that mandates prosecutors to collaborate with law enforcers to construct a robust case, ensuring a high likelihood of conviction before it proceeds to court.

The initial preliminary investigation hearing took place last Monday, and a follow-up session is scheduled for September 15, during which the respondents are expected to submit their counter-affidavits. The named respondents in this case are foreign coach Thomas Anthony Baldwin, Grant Dearns, Dean Caesar B. Casta±o, Sandro Nicholas Soriano Romero, Reynaldo C. Jacinto Jr., John Eric Quiambao Rueca, Ceasar Vincent Javellana Elumba, Emmanuel Toribio Fernandez, and Vincent Raphael M. Mangulabnan.