Ateneo De Manila University disputed the inclusion of the University Athletics Office (UAO) in the supplemental referral of authorities recommending homicide-related charges over the deaths of Blue Eagles Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building activity last month in Dipaculao, Aurora.

The university released a statement on Thursday evening, clarifying that the UAO did not plan, organize or direct the basketball team’s activity that led to a drowning incident on 8 June.

On Wednesday, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) recommended the filing of homicide-related complaints before the Department of Justice against former head coach Tab Baldwin and several others, including athletic director Em Fernandez and facilities officer and men’s volleyball team mentor Vince Mangulabnan.

Ateneo spokesperson Fr. RB Hizon SJ said that the school “respectfully but firmly” disputes the CIDG conclusion.

The university argued that the UAO had no hand in the Blue Eagles’ team-building planning and execution.

“The Referral itself cites, as the basis for implicating the UAO, that the chartered bus used by the team was facilitated by Vince Mangulabnan, a member of the UAO staff,” Fr. Hizon said.

“Standing alone, the administrative facilitation of transportation does not establish that the UAO planned, organized, or directed the activity itself.”

The school’s statement also pointed out that neither Fernandez nor Mangulabnan was present during the activity.

“It is likewise undisputed that neither Emmanuel Fernandez nor Vince Mangulabnan was present in Dipaculao during the activity,” Hizon added.

“Their absence underscores the need to distinguish between providing logistical assistance and exercising responsibility for the planning, supervision, or execution of the event.”

CIDG recommended on Wednesday the filing of two counts of homicide against Baldwin and two counts of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide against him and eight others following its investigation into the fatal incident.

Aside from Baldwin, Fernandez and Mangulabnan, also included in the homicide raps were assistant coaches Dean Castaño, Sandro Soriano, Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., strength and conditioning coaches Grant Dearns and Ceasar Vincent Elumba, and physical therapist John Eric Rueca.

Baldwin and 11 others had earlier been charged with alleged violations of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.

Ateneo president Fr. Bobby Yap, SJ, earlier Thursday called on members of the university community to allow the judicial process to proceed without speculation.

“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,” Fr. Yap said.

Before the university’s statement was released, Mangulabnan’s family called out Ateneo for its “failure to stand by someone who was simply doing his job.”

Vince’s sister, Maji, posted scathing remarks on her social media account against the school for not supporting the former National University setter after his name was included in the CIDG recommendation.

“Yes, we will not be silenced,” the Galeries Tower playmaker wrote on Facebook on Thursday afternoon.

“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? May maituro lang talaga noh?” she added while tagging the school’s official Facebook page on her post.

Mangulabnan’s mother, Nooky, also expressed her support for her son.

“My son has worked so hard to get where he is right now. He built a name in his volleyball and coaching career,” she said.

“I will not allow any institution to destroy his well-established reputation and integrity. We will not be silenced.”