Tab Baldwin no-show at CIDG, DOLE summons
MANILA, Philippines (Updated 3:06 p.m.) — Former Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin did not personally appear before two government agencies that summoned him in connection with the investigation into the deaths of basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
Baldwin’s lawyer appeared on his behalf before the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Department of Labor and Employment, officials said Monday, June 15.
The development came as Ateneo announced that it had accepted Baldwin’s resignation as head coach of the Blue Eagles men’s basketball team amid ongoing government investigations into the fatal drowning incident.
Ateneo president Fr. Roberto Yap announced Baldwin’s resignation at a press conference at the university’s main campus in Quezon City. Blue Eagles team manager Epok Quimpo has also stepped down from his post.
Baterbonia and Adili died last week in a drowning incident during the Blue Eagles’ team-building activity in Aurora.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Baldwin and two other individuals summoned by the CIDG did not appear.
"However, Ateneo sent a lawyer here to explain their role, but they were not included in the subpoena," Remulla said in an ambush interview with reporters.
On June 11, the CIDG issued subpoenas to coaches and players who were present during the activity as part of its fact-finding efforts.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government said authorities are looking into possible violations of Republic Act 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.
More subpoenas likely. The CIDG is also set to issue subpoenas to Ateneo de Manila University president Fr. Roberto Yap and officials of telco giant Smart Communications in connection with the drowning incident, CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II said at a press briefing.
Morico said the agency was told by the university's athletics office that the Ateneo basketball team operates autonomously and is independently managed by a foundation, with Smart handling the program's planning and funding.
Labor permit questioned
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said Baldwin also did not personally appear before the Department of Labor and Employment in response to its summons requiring him to show proof of his alien employment permit.
Tolentino said Baldwin’s camp did not present his alien employment permit and instead showed only his Alien Certificate of Registration, or ACR.
"Just because you have an ACR does not mean you are permitted to work," Tolentino said.
Baldwin’s camp is set to submit its verified answer on June 25.
Under Philippine labor rules, foreign nationals generally need an alien employment permit from the DOLE before they may work in the country. The permit is separate from standard immigration documents such as an ACR.
Lookout bulletin sought
The CIDG and the family of Baterbonia have also asked the Department of Justice to issue an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order against Baldwin.
An ILBO does not bar a person from leaving the country, unlike a Hold Departure Order. It alerts authorities if the person covered by the bulletin attempts to depart.
Baldwin leaves Ateneo after a UAAP coaching stint highlighted by four championships in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022. He also steered the Blue Eagles to a 14-0 sweep in the eliminations of the 2019 season. — with reports from John Bryan Ulanday and Dino Maragay
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