By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has issued a show-cause order (SCO) against Ateneo de Manila University for allegedly failing to submit key documents being sought in the investigation into the deaths of two student-athletes during a team-building activity in Aurora province.
In a statement released Tuesday, CHED said it had directed Ateneo on June 9 to provide records necessary to establish the facts surrounding the drowning incident in Dipaculao, Aurora, and determine whether the university complied with applicable regulations governing student welfare and off-campus activities.
Among the documents requested were an incident report, a certificate of compliance with CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 63 series of 2017, and additional requirements under Article V of CMO No. 6 series of 2026.
According to CHED, the university failed to provide the requested information despite repeated follow-ups from the commission’s National Capital Region office.
“Despite follow-ups by CHED-NCR, the University failed to provide the required records and information,” the agency said.
As a result, CHED issued the SCO on June 16, directing Ateneo to submit a sworn written explanation within 10 days from receipt of the order.
The commission said Ateneo must explain why sanctions should not be imposed for alleged violations involving:
CMO No. 63 (s. 2017) governing off-campus activities;
CMO No. 6 (s. 2026) in relation to Republic Act No. 11053 and its implementing rules and regulations; and
Alleged failure to exercise reasonable supervision over students under the principle of in loco parentis.
CHED stressed that higher education institutions are expected to cooperate fully with regulatory investigations, particularly in cases involving student safety and welfare.
The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting students and ensuring that schools comply with safety standards and legal requirements.
“Institutions entrusted with the care of students must comply with all laws, regulations, and safety requirements, especially in the conduct of off-campus activities,” CHED said.
The investigation continues as authorities seek to determine accountability and the circumstances that led to the deaths of the two Ateneo student-athletes during the school-sanctioned activity in Aurora.
ia/xf
