The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday received the referral from the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seeking a preliminary investigation into current and former coaches and staff of the Ateneo de Manila University men's basketball team over the deaths of players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

Justice spokesperson Polo Martinez said the referral will first undergo an initial evaluation to determine whether the evidence submitted is complete and sufficient.

"At this stage, the referral will undergo initial evaluation by the DOJ to determine whether the evidence submitted is complete and sufficient for further proceedings," Martinez said.

He explained that if the evidence is found to be incomplete, the DOJ may return the case to the CIDG for further case build-up. If the evidence is deemed sufficient, the case will be docketed for preliminary investigation.

"The DOJ assures the public that the matter will be evaluated expeditiously and objectively in accordance with the evidence, the law, and applicable procedure," Martinez added.

Baterbonia and Adili died in a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on 8 June.

Earlier, the CIDG recommended the filing of complaints for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act, against former Ateneo men's basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and 10 other current and former team personnel.

The other respondents are Grant Dearns and Caesar Vincent Javellana Elumba, strength and conditioning coaches; Dean Caesar B. Castaño, Sandro Nicholas Romero Soriano, and Reynaldo C. Jacinto Jr., assistant coaches; Paolo Manuel Maceda Adevoso and Andrew Lorenzo Bondoc Salud, student managers; John Eric Quiambao Rueca, physical therapist; and Aris Ramos Pronce and Joel Palmiano Rapa, utility personnel.

Assistant Secretary Brian Mey R. Tomas said investigators found that the players were allegedly subjected to extreme physical activities, punishment exercises, and sea-based training under hazardous conditions before the two student-athletes drowned.

Authorities believe the circumstances may constitute hazing under the Anti-Hazing Act, although the DOJ will determine whether charges should be filed after conducting a preliminary investigation.

Ateneo de Manila University acknowledged the CIDG's recommendation.

"We acknowledge the CIDG's recommendation and respect the work it has undertaken in the course of its investigation," university spokesperson Fr. Rene "RB" Hizon, SJ said in a statement.