Ateneo de Manila University maintained that University Athletics Office (UAO) head Emmanuel “Em” Fernandez and staff member Vince Mangulabnan were not present during the Blue Eagles’ team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, where student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili drowned.
In a statement released Thursday, the university disputed portions of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s (CIDG) supplemental referral, which cited the UAO’s alleged involvement in the activity that ended in tragedy.
“The University respectfully disagrees with the conclusion that the University Athletics Office (UAO) planned, organized, or carried out the Dipaculao activity,” Ateneo said.
“The Referral cites the UAO’s role in arranging the team’s transportation. However, arranging transportation does not mean planning or supervising the activity itself. Neither UAO Head Emmanuel Fernandez nor UAO staff member Vince Mangulabnan was present in Dipaculao.”
Ateneo said it believes the ongoing legal proceedings will establish the facts surrounding the incident and determine the responsibilities of those involved.
“We remain confident that the legal process will establish the facts and clarify the respective roles and responsibilities of those involved,” the university added.
The statement came a day after the CIDG submitted a supplemental referral recommending the filing of homicide and reckless imprudence charges against former Ateneo men’s basketball coach Tab Baldwin and eight other individuals in connection with the fatal June team-building activity.
Earlier, Ateneo also announced that it would extend legal assistance to those identified in the CIDG’s recommendation as the case moves through the justice system. (AC)
The post Ateneo insists Mangulabnan not present at fatal Aurora activity first appeared on Fastbreak.
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