Baldwin resigns as coach; Ateneo head apologizes

MANILA, Philippines — The Ateneo de Manila University has accepted the resignations of men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Christopher Quimpo following the deaths of two Blue Eagles players.

“We thank him for the years of service to the Blue Eagles,” Ateneo president Fr. Roberto Yap said yesterday.

“We must look inward, examine our systems and rebuild the structures of our athletic programs so that our fields and playing courts will be places where dreams are nurtured, not broken,” he added.

Incoming rookie Rene Clert Baterbonia, 19, and Nigerian import Divine Adili, 21, died in drowning incidents on June 8 during a training camp in Aurora.

Baldwin, 68, had led the program since 2016 and guided Ateneo to four UAAP championships.

No decision has been made on Ateneo’s participation in UAAP Season 89, Yap said.

“I am here to say, simply and directly, that we are truly, deeply sorry. We apologize unreservedly to the families and to our entire community for the agonizing pain of this tragedy,” Yap said.

Aside from Ateneo de Davao’s granting of full scholarships to Baterbonia’s six siblings, Ateneo de Manila has offered “material assistance” to the families of Baterbonia and Adili “for a long period of time.”

“We see that not as a form of legal settlement, but a form of moral responsibility,” Yap said.

Baldwin no-show at CIDG, DOLE

Meanwhile, Baldwin did not appear at yesterday’s fact finding probe of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Baldwin also failed to appear before the Department of Labor and Employment, after the DOLE subpoenaed him over his alien employment permit.

His lawyer presented his alien certificate of registration, which DOLE Secretary Francis Tolentino said does not automatically authorize a foreigner to work in the country.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Baldwin, Quimpo, Fr. Nemesio Que and a member of Ateneo’s management did not appear at Camp Crame.

Emmanuel Fernandez, head of Ateneo’s athletics department, complied with the subpoena, Remulla noted.

Another subpoena for Baldwin and the others will be issued, Remulla said, warning that a second absence “will warrant a contempt of court.”

Yap will also be summoned. Baterbonia and Adili’s teammates will appear at Camp Crame tomorrow.

Three former Ateneo cagers, who experienced the same training regimen, will appear today as resource persons.

Homicide, hazing

Homicide and violation of the Anti-Hazing Law are being considered by police probers.

Smart Communications officials will be subpoenaed after police investigation showed the wireless services firm handled the program and funded Ateneo’s basketball team.

The CIDG will also reach out to the woman claiming to be Baldwin’s estranged wife, Efi, who said that minors are unsafe around the basketball coach. — Mark Ernest Villeza, Emmanuel Tupas, Rhodina Villanueva