A FORMER setter of the UST Golden Tigresses came to the defense of her brother, who was among those recommended by the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) to face criminal charges in connection with the drowning of two Ateneo student-athletes.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, July 2, former Thomasian setter Maji Mangulabnan expressed disappointment over Ateneo de Manila University’s (ADMU) alleged failure to support her brother Vincent, who served as the university’s sports facility officer.
“While the investigation is still ongoing, ADMU’s failure to stand by someone who was simply doing his job is already causing irreversible damage to his career, his reputation, and his family’s future. Are you even real, ADMU? Is this really how you stand by the people who tirelessly work for you? So you can have someone to blame?,” she said in her post.
“Yes, we will not be silenced…I will not forgive any slander against my brother!” she added.
Earlier, the PNP-CIDG announced that it had recommended the filing of two counts of homicide and two counts of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against former Ateneo men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and eight other members of the Blue Eagles coaching and support staff.
Also named as respondents were Vincent, who serves as head coach of Ateneo’s men’s volleyball team and works with the university’s athletics office; strength and conditioning coach Grant Hearns; Dean Caesar Castaño; Caesar Vincent Elumba; assistant coaches Sandro Nicholas Soriano and Reynaldo Jacinto Jr.; athletic director Emmanuel Fernandez and physical therapist John Eric Rueca.
The recommendation stemmed from the drowning deaths of Ateneo rookie Rene Clert Baterbonia and Nigerian student-athlete Chukwuwmeka Divine Adili during a team-building and water-resistance training activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8.
An investigation by the CIDG found that the Ateneo coaching staff and team officials exercised supervision and control over the players during the official activity. Investigators said the water drills were conducted in hazardous open-sea conditions marked by rip currents, strong waves and varying seabed depths without adequate safety measures, including flotation devices, lifeguards, rescue equipment, swimmer assessments and sufficient emergency preparations.
The findings formed the basis for its recommendation to file criminal charges before the Department of Justice’s National Prosecution Service.
Hours after the CIDG’s announcement, ADMU President Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ issued a memorandum to the university community about the recommendation to file charges against the Blue Eagles coaching and support staff.
“The University respects the legal process and will continue to cooperate with the authorities. It will provide whatever assistance and support to these persons as they exercise their rights and defend themselves throughout the process,” Yap said.
He urged the Ateneo community to allow the legal proceedings to take their course “free from speculation, prejudice, or trial by publicity,” stressing that the justice system requires that “facts be tested, evidence be weighed fairly and the rights of all parties be respected.”
The Ateneo president also asked the community to remain united in prayer for the families of Baterbonia and Adili, those facing the legal proceedings and the entire university community.
PNP-CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II urged the public to refrain from attacking the 18 other Ateneo players who participated in the activity, emphasizing that they, too, should be regarded as victims of the tragedy.
The recommendation of charges does not constitute the finding of guilt. The Department of Justice will determine whether probable cause exists to formally file cases in court. F – Kurt Andre Mandigma and Mc Neil Zyh Serrano
