Sports commission calls on Ateneo basketball coach to appear after two players drown
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio on Thursday urged Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin to make a public statement following the deaths of players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. The two players drowned Monday during a team-building activity in Aurora. Gregorio said the matter extends beyond the university.
RapplerPhilippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio on Thursday called for Ateneo men's basketball head coach Tab Baldwin to appear publicly or issue a statement after two players died during a team-building activity. Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili drowned Monday at a private resort in Dipaculao, Aurora.
Baldwin has not appeared in public or released any comment since the incident. Gregorio said the situation is a national concern that goes beyond Ateneo. He also questioned why Baldwin has not followed local customs of showing respect after such events, noting Baldwin has coached in the Philippines since 2015.
Background on the incident Baldwin did not attend a Wednesday gathering where Ateneo players and staff paid respects to Baterbonia and his family at Arlington Memorial Chapels in Quezon City. Police records indicate the team has held similar activities in Aurora under Baldwin.
Baterbonia's mother said she is not yet ready to meet Baldwin and wants to focus on returning her son's remains to Mindanao for wakes in Agusan del Sur and Davao City.
Government response Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Francis Tolentino said Thursday that no foreign national working in the country is above the law. The department issued a subpoena requiring Baldwin to present his Alien Employment Permit.
