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CHED says it ‘cannot allow matters concerning the loss of students’ lives and questions of institutional accountability to remain unaddressed’
MANILA, Philippines – The Higher Education Commission (CHED) has issued a show-cause order to University of Manila Athenaeum after allegedly failing to provide the requested information June 8 drowning of student athletes Pure Baterbonia and Divine Virtue.
Baterbonia, 18, and Adili, 21, drowned during a team-building activity for the men’s basketball team in Dipaculao, Aurora. Rip currents too endangering several other players.
In a statement on Tuesday, June 23, CHED said it issued the order on June 16, or one week after the commission ordered Ateneo to submit an incident report, a certificate of compliance. CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 63 (s. 2017)and documents required under Article V of CMO No. 6 (s. 2026).
CMO No. 63 (s. 2017) refers to the guidelines for extracurricular activities. Article V of CMO No. 6 (s. 2026), or the commission’s anti-hazing policy, refers to the guidelines for the establishment of student organizations.
CHED said it made “repeated requests” to submit the documents, but despite follow-up, Ateneo “failed to provide the required records and information.”
“CHED cannot allow issues surrounding the loss of students’ lives and questions of institutional accountability to remain unaddressed,” the commission said. “Institutions of higher education are expected to cooperate fully with regulatory processes, particularly in incidents involving the safety and well-being of students.”
CHED asked Ateneo to submit a written statement under oath within 10 days of receiving the show cause order.
Ateneo will have to explain why CHED should not sanction it for the alleged violation of the guidelines for the operation of extracurricular activities, the policy against the harvesting of the animals, and its alleged failure to supervise its students.
“CHED remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the welfare of students and adhere to standards in the higher education sector,” the commission said.
“Institutions entrusted with the care of students must comply with all laws, regulations, and security requirements, especially in the conduct of off-campus activities,” it added.
The UAAP has blocked it from the league Resigned head coach Tab Baldwin and other Ateneo coaches present during the team building activity pending investigation.
Baldwin is under immigration notice orderwhich is only used to track a person’s movements.
Remains of Baterbonia they were brought to his hometown of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, June 16. He will be buried on Wednesday, June 24.
The Adili’s remains were returned to Nigeria Monday, June 22. – Rappler.com
