JUSTICE Secretary Fredderick Vida announced on Wednesday that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against key officials of the Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball program.
The order covers former head coach Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin, former team manager Christopher “Epok” Quimpo, and assistant coaches Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., Dean Castaño, and Sandro Soriano. This measure comes amid the ongoing investigation into the tragic deaths of student‑athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, cases that have raised serious concerns regarding the welfare and safety of students under institutional care.
During the press conference, Vida clarified the legal nature and purpose of the ILBO, emphasizing that it serves only as a monitoring tool and not a definitive restriction on movement or a declaration of guilt.
“It is intended to alert authorities should the subjects attempt to travel abroad while the investigation is ongoing. It is not by itself a restriction on travel nor a finding of liability,” he explained. He also noted that the inquiry is still in progress, and the department will act accordingly only once a formal complaint is officially lodged and evidence is presented.
Vida further explained that the probe will examine the legal duties of educational institutions and the personal liabilities of coaches, administrators, and staff involved in the athletes’ training and welfare. He highlighted the principle of substitute parental authority, wherein schools and their officials assume the role and responsibility of parents the moment a student enters the campus. “When you bring your child to school, substitute parental authority takes effect, and this is where the obligation and responsibility of school authorities come in,” Vida stated, underscoring the legal and moral duty of institutions to ensure the safety and well‑being of every student entrusted to their care.
