Ateneo’s Baldwin skips NBI probe

MANILA, Philippines — Former Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball coach Tab Baldwin yesterday failed to appear before the National Bureau of Investigation.

The NBI earlier summoned Baldwin as it probed the deaths of two Ateneo Blue Eagles players.

Baldwin’s lawyer Karl Justeen David said his client could not attend the proceedings since he was “not in good condition.”

David assured probers that Baldwin would cooperate in the investigation.

Baldwin is among the 20 coaches, players and university officials ordered to appear before the NBI.

Also absent was Ateneo coach Sandro Soriano, whose lawyer Raymond Rojas submitted a certification from the university’s guidance and counseling office stating that Soriano was undergoing treatment and suffering from emotional distress.

Rojas said Soriano intends to appear on June 18 and 19.

Meanwhile, members of the basketball team arrived at the NBI to comply with subpoenas.

Among those who appeared were student-athlete EJ Kapihe, accompanied by his parents and lawyer, and lawyer Pelagio Lawrence Cuison, counsel for coaching staff member Reynaldo Jacinto.

Jacinto will attend the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) proceedings before appearing at the NBI, Cuison said.

Rene Baterbonia, 18 (not 19 as earlier reported), and Divine Adili, 21, died in drowning incidents during a training camp on June 8 in Aurora.

Labor violations

Baldwin could face up to three years in prison if violations related to his employment status in the Philippines are established, Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said yesterday.

Probers are determining whether Baldwin had a valid alien employment permit while serving as Blue Eagles head coach.

Should violations be established, Tolentino said Ateneo may also face legal consequences.

Lawyer Janella Flordeliza has assured Tolentino that Baldwin will appear before him on June 25.

In another development, Adili’s wake will be moved today to Arlington Memorial Chapels in Quezon City.

MVP denies role

Sports backer Manuel V. Pangilinan has denied any role in the management of the Blue Eagles.

The MVP Sports Foundation rejected any implication that it owns and manages the basketball team, as implied by the CIDG.

Alfredo Panlilio, president of the foundation, has confirmed that former team manager Christopher Quimpo is an employee of mobile giant Smart Communications Inc., owned by Pangilinan.

Quimpo had served the team in his personal capacity, not as a Smart representative, over the past decade, Panlilio said.

Panlilio maintained that the foundation’s role in supporting the team is limited to funding, denying any hand in its management, recruitment and training. — Christine Boton, Elijah Felice Rosales, Joaquin Henson