PNP chief hints at anti-hazing violations in Ateneo students’ drowning

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. — Photo from Office of the Chief PNP/Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said possible violations of Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act, are being considered in connection with the drowning of two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes.

In an interview with reporters at Camp Crame on Thursday, Nartatez said the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) had completed about 80 percent of its investigation into the deaths of players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

Asked whether criminal charges could be filed once the investigation was completed, Nartatez answered in a mix of Filipino and English, “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.”

Article continues after this advertisement