Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin, head coach of the Ateneo Blue Eagles, offered his condolences to the families of the late student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia.

Baldwin said the impact of the loss extends beyond the team, recognizing the weight carried by the bereaved families.

“There were two families that experienced a loss so much greater than ours, a loss that would stay with them for the remainder of their lives,” he said.

He also addressed his role as coach, acknowledging responsibility for the players’ welfare and expressing regret over the outcome.

“In this, I feel I’ve failed. And I’m sorry. To the depth of my being, I’m sorry,” he stated.

Baldwin recalled that the incident occurred during a routine team activity that turned dangerous, and mentioned that despite efforts by coaches and players, the situation ended in tragedy. He added that he felt he had failed as a leader, mentor, and friend.

In the aftermath, he said he has turned to prayer and faith, and called on the community to continue supporting the families of Divine and Rene.

This comes after Ateneo asked Baldwin to refrain from making public statements to allow official processes to move forward and for facts to be established.

Earlier, the university also announced that Baldwin and the team manager would go on leave amid the ongoing investigation to preserve the integrity of the inquiry.

“As we try to move forward without Divine and Rene, I hope that in binding together as a community, as a basketball team, and as a nation, that we lean on the one place that will never let us down—and that is our Lord,” he said, concluding with a message of hope for healing and comfort for those affected.