Ateneo Kiwi coach left Philippines on June 10?

MANILA, Philippines — Grant Dearns, one of 11 people recommended to face charges in the deaths of two student-athletes of the Ateneo de Manila University, left the country on June 10.

A source told The STAR that Dearns left the country two days after the deaths of Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, members of Ateneo’s basketball team.

Dearns, a New Zealander, was the strength and conditioning coach of the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

Former head coach Tab Baldwin had reportedly invited Dearns to assist in the June 8 training camp in Aurora, where Baterbonia and Adili drowned.

In a June 19 podcast, Dearns said he returned to New Zealand.

“No immigration lookout bulletin order or hold-departure order has been issued against Dearns,” Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval said.

The police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has recommended the filing of charges for alleged violation of the Anti-Hazing Act against Baldwin, Dearns and other staff members of the basketball team.

The Philippine National Police is urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to examine Ateneo’s criminal liability in the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said yesterday.

If student managers and ball boys were unaware of alleged hazing, the DOJ may consider them as state witnesses instead of accused persons, Remulla said.

“What is paramount to us is holding accountable those who actively planned and deliberately subjected these student-athletes to physical suffering,” he added.

Under the Anti-Hazing Act, the mere presence of a person during a hazing activity constitutes prima facie evidence of participation as a principal actor.

Remulla urged prosecutors to scrutinize Ateneo officials’ potential negligence, pointing out the institution’s legal mandate to safeguard students in place of parents.

In another development, former Blue Eagles assistant coach Francisco Alas and Ateneo athletics director Emmanuel Fernandez have submitted their affidavits to the National Bureau of Investigation.

Baldwin’s lawyers said he is not required to secure a working permit and his permanent working visa would suffice to be able to work in the Philippines.

Since Baldwin is a permanent resident in the country, he is not required to get an alien employment permit, his lawyers said at yesterday’s hearing at the Department of Labor and Employment.

The DOLE will subpoena Ateneo’s officials for a July 9 hearing to further discuss the nature of Baldwin’s contract with them.

Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said a second hearing will require the appearance of a certain lawyer Dong Feliciano, who supposedly advised Baldwin that a permanent residency card would satisfy his employment requirements. — Rainier Allan Ronda, Mark Ernest Villeza, Rhodina Villanueva

abtestabtest VP Sara ready to replace Marcos, says spokesperson By Bella Cariaso | 11 hours ago Vice President Sara Duterte is ready to replace President Marcos in case the latter resigns, according to her spokesman.... Headlines Romualdez moved to Payatas jail, arraignment set Sept. 16 By Ian Laqui | 1 day ago Former speaker was transferred to the Quezon City jail after independent medical review. Headlines Congress urged: Permanently remove system loss charge By Delon Porcalla | 11 hours ago It’s now the turn of Congress – the Senate and the House of Representatives – to do its part in giving relief... Headlines Chiz OKs presentation of VP’s SALNs from 2007 By Neil Jayson Servallos | 11 hours ago The Senate impeachment court will scrutinize Vice President Sara Duterte’s financial records starting from her time... Headlines Sara Duterte trial, Sept. 15: VP's net worth, business interests By Cristina Chi | 20 hours ago Prosecutors zoomed in on key documents on Tuesday, Sept. 15, showing that Vice President Sara Duterte's declared net worth... Headlines Latest More in Headlines 'Truth, fairness': Ex-CJ Panganiban questions fixed impeachment math For ex-CJ Davide, 16 votes not necessarily required to convict Sara Duterte Ex-Duterte vlogger RJ Nieto gets Palace assistant secretary post LIVE Coverage: Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, Sept. 16 abtest Scams, other cybercrimes rise to record 8% of families, says SWS By Renalyn Ramirez | 3 hours ago One in 12 Filipino families had a member fall victim to cybercrime in the past 6 months. Headlines Lapid: No official has filed a truly honest SALN? By Marc Jayson Cayabyab | 10 hours ago In an interjection rarely seen, Sen. Lito Lapid yesterday took the podium to bare what he called a reality in the filing of... Headlines Romualdez mugshots at Quezon City jail released By Emmanuel Tupas | 11 hours ago Mugshots of Leyte congressman Martin Romualdez were released yesterday to the public, showing the former speaker in yellow... Headlines BARMM polls: Federalist party gets big bloc slot By John Unson | 11 hours ago The Bangsamoro Federalist Party ranked first in the Sept. 14 elections for bloc nominations to the 80-seat parliament... Headlines ‘Blanket class suspensions deepen literacy challenges’ By Bella Cariaso | 11 hours ago Blanket class suspensions could deepen literacy challenges as schools continue to lose significant teaching days to weather-related... Headlines Recommended Chiz OKs presentation of VP’s SALNs from 2007 11 hours ago The Senate impeachment court will scrutinize Vice President Sara Duterte’s financial records starting from her time... HeadlinesFRANCIS ESCUDERO VP Sara ready to replace Marcos, says spokesperson 11 hours ago Vice President Sara Duterte is ready to replace President Marcos in case the latter resigns, according to her spokesman.... HeadlinesPAOLO PANELO Congress urged: Permanently remove system loss charge 11 hours ago It’s now the turn of Congress – the Senate and the House of Representatives – to do its part in giving relief... HeadlinesELECTRICITY DOJ summons Padilla over Bato’s escape from Senate 11 hours ago For helping fugitive Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa escape from the Senate in May, the Department of Justice has... HeadlinesROBINHOOD PADILLARONALD “BATO” DELA ROSA Pinoys all in for Eala 11 hours ago  They’re all in. PSC. POC. PHILTA. The Senate. All behind Alex Eala. HeadlinesALEX EALA next Recommended Chiz OKs presentation of VP’s SALNs from 2007 The Senate impeachment court will scrutinize Vice President Sara Duterte’s financial records starting from her time as a local official in Davao City to establish a “baseline” for her wealth, presiding officer Sen. Francis Escudero said yesterday. 11 hours ago FRANCIS ESCUDERO VP Sara ready to replace Marcos, says spokesperson Vice President Sara Duterte is ready to replace President Marcos in case the latter resigns, according to her spokesman. 11 hours ago PAOLO PANELO Congress urged: Permanently remove system loss charge It’s now the turn of Congress – the Senate and the House of Representatives – to do its part in giving relief to consumers burdened by high electricity bills, by passing a law that would permanently remove the system loss charges, Rep. Arthur Yap of Murang Kuryente party-list said yesterday. 11 hours ago ELECTRICITY DOJ summons Padilla over Bato’s escape from Senate For helping fugitive Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa escape from the Senate in May, the Department of Justice has summoned Sen. Robinhood Padilla over allegations of obstruction of justice. 11 hours ago ROBINHOOD PADILLA RONALD “BATO” DELA ROSA Pinoys all in for Eala  They’re all in. PSC. POC. PHILTA. The Senate. All behind Alex Eala. 11 hours ago ALEX EALA OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!