ATENEO pushed back against the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group's (PNP-CIDG) findings, disputing the basis for implicating sports facility officer Vince Mangulabnan and University Athletics Office (UAO) Director Em Fernandez in the Blue Eagles' team-building tragedy in Dipaculao, Aurora last June 8.
University spokesperson Fr. RB Hizon, SJ said Ateneo does not concur with the Supplemental Referral.
“The Supplemental Referral attributes responsibility to the University Athletics Office (UAO), headed by Emmanuel Fernandez, for allegedly planning, organizing, and executing the team-building activity in Dipaculao,” the statement issued Thursday wrote.
"Based on the facts presently known to the University, we respectfully but firmly dispute that conclusion."
The response came a day after the CIDG recommended the filing of two counts of homicide and two counts of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against men's basketball coach Tab Baldwin and eight other school officials and staff following the tragedy that claimed the lives of Blue Eagles Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
Among those also supposedly involved were Fernandez and Mangulabnan from the UAO, the latter serving as Ateneo's men's volleyball coach, as well.
READ: Mangulabnans come to Vince's defense amid looming criminal charge
The University argued that the referral itself points only to Mangulabnan's role in arranging transportation, maintaining that this is not equivalent to planning, organizing, and executing the team-building.
"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. Standing alone, the administrative facilitation of transportation does not establish that the UAO planned, organized, or directed the activity itself,” Hizon explained.
Ateneo likewise underscored that neither Fernandez nor Mangulabnan was even present in Dipaculao during the activity.
“Their absence underscores the need to distinguish between providing logistical assistance and exercising responsibility for the planning, supervision, or execution of the event,” it added.
Answer to the call
Ateneo's statement was released after Mangulabnan's family spoke out in his defense.
Vince's sister Maji, who plays for Galeries Tower in the PVL, earlier faulted the University for not standing by her brother, while his mother Nooky, of course, rallied behind her son.
While Ateneo stopped short of addressing the family's criticism directly, the statement marked its most categorical defense yet of Fernandez and Mangulabnan.
“These are matters that will ultimately be addressed through the appropriate legal process. We remain confident that a full and objective examination of the evidence will establish the respective roles and responsibilities of those involved,” it said.
The CIDG recommendation will still undergo preliminary investigation for prosecutors to determine whether probable cause exists to formally file charges.
At this stage, the recommendation is not a finding of guilt, and all respondents will have the opportunity to answer allegations through the Department of Justice’s preliminary investigation process.
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