FORMER Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin formally reported to the Philippine National Police‑Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP‑CIDG) on Friday to give his statement regarding the tragic deaths of student‑athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
The two players lost their lives on June 8 during a team‑building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, after they were swept away by strong currents while near the shoreline. Baldwin’s appearance marks a key step in the ongoing inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident, which has raised serious questions about safety protocols and supervision during off‑campus events.
Following the tragedy, both Baldwin and former team manager Epok Quimpo submitted their resignations from their respective posts. The ex‑coach also issued a public apology to the families of the victims, expressing his sorrow over what happened. However, the mother of Rene Baterbonia made it clear that an apology alone is insufficient, saying that she and her family are seeking answers and accountability for the loss of her son.
Meanwhile, other members of the coaching staff have also been called in: assistant coach Sandro Soriano appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday as part of the parallel probe being conducted by the agency.
On the same day, nine players from the basketball team arrived at the NBI headquarters past 1:00 PM, accompanied by their relatives and legal representatives, to provide their respective accounts of the event.
They were interviewed separately in different rooms to ensure that each statement was recorded independently and accurately. Authorities have previously placed Baldwin, Quimpo, Soriano, and assistant coaches Reynaldo Jacinto Jr. and Dean Castaño under an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO). This measure alerts immigration officers should any of them attempt to leave the country, ensuring they remain within reach while investigations by both the PNP‑CIDG and the NBI continue.
