Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin was present at a resort in Dipaculao when two of the team’s players tragically drowned during a beach activity on June 8, according to authorities.
Aurora Police Director Police Colonel Percival Pineda confirmed that Baldwin was among those who initially attempted to assist in the rescue of players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili when the incident occurred.
In a briefing at Camp Crame, Pineda said the team was together at the time investigators arrived at the scene, but most members were in a “state of shock,” leading only two coaching staff members to provide formal statements to authorities. Baldwin was reportedly not among those who gave testimony.
“Yung grupo ay nandoon sa dagat… under sila ng state of shock. Kaya yung dalawa na lang ang nagbigay ng statement,” Pineda said.
Authorities also noted that the resort owner had reportedly reminded the group to avoid venturing too far from the designated training area. However, the team allegedly requested to proceed with a private activity.
According to police accounts, the players were seen walking up to 300 meters offshore before being caught by strong waves that pulled them into deeper waters.
Investigators from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) are still completing their inquiry to determine whether negligence played a role in the incident.
