Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. hinted at possible cases for violation of RA 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act in connection with the drowning of Ateneo de Manila men’s basketball team members Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
In an interview with reporters in Camp Crame on Thursday, Nartatez said the investigation being conducted by the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group was about 80 percent complete. Asked whether criminal charges would be filed once the investigation was over, Nartatez answered, “We are leading to that in the investigation. That’s what the CIDG director would also say. We can’t say yet with definite numbers who would be charged and for what case.”
Pressed on whether the PNP was looking at hazing charges, he said, “There is a possibility that, probably, they can be indicted for violation of the Anti-Hazing Law.” CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II previously said the definition of hazing under the law included “forced calisthenics [and] exposure to the weather.”
Nartatez added, “That’s why we are investigating. Hazing does not necessarily involve physical contact. There’s [also] the emotional aspect.” Based on accounts of the Ateneo players and coaches, the team was doing water exercises when they were swept away by strong sea currents in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8.
