Manila, Sept. 3 -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed a complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against nine individuals over the deaths of Ateneo student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

In a press briefing, Justice Undersecretary Ian Dato said the prosecutors have set a preliminary investigation, with the first hearing held last Monday.

He said a separate complaint for alleged violations of Republic Act (RA) 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act, remains under case build-up.

Under a DOJ circular, prosecutors evaluate and work with law enforcers to build up a case to ensure certainty of conviction before allowing it to reach the courts.

"(O)n Monday...