DILG: Baldwin failed to inform Ateneo on drowning

MANILA, Philippines — Former Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin kept top university officials in the dark about the drowning of two student-athletes during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

Remulla said Baldwin did not immediately inform Ateneo University president Fr. Roberto Yap and athletics department head Em Fernandez that players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili had drowned.

“The only time that the head of the athletics department, Mr. Fernandez, and president of Ateneo Fr. Yap found out (was) an hour or two after everything happened that they are dead,” Remulla said over ANC on Friday.

Instead, it was former team manager Christopher “Epok” Quimpo who relayed the tragic news to Yap and Fernandez.

Remulla said the incident reflected what appeared to be the culture of the Blue Eagles basketball program under Baldwin, where the athletics department was allegedly kept uninformed about team activities.

“Tab is like a god. So whatever he says goes and there were no written applications or information to the athletics department,” the interior chief said.

Remulla added that Baldwin adhered to a philosophy called BBOB, or Blue Eagles Band of Brothers, under which aspiring members of the basketball roster were pushed to their physical and mental limits.

“Players must be broken down, players must be stripped of their ego,” he said.

During the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) investigation, however, Remulla noted that Baldwin showed remorse and even broke down in tears when investigators asked about the moment he realized that two of his players were missing.

The CIDG has recommended filing charges for violation of the Anti-Hazing Act, or Republic Act 11053, against Baldwin and 10 members of his coaching staff. If convicted, they could face up to 40 years in prison and fines of up to P3 million each.