MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Christopher “Epok” Quimpo have resigned amid ongoing investigations into the deaths of student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
The resignations came as government authorities and Ateneo de Manila University continue separate inquiries into the June 8 tragedy that claimed the lives of the two basketball players. The Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident and determining whether any criminal or administrative liabilities may arise.
Baterbonia, 19, an incoming rookie from Davao and a former standout in national youth competitions, and Adili, 21, a Nigerian student-athlete who suited up for the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 88, died after being swept away by strong waves and a rip current during a conditioning exercise near the shoreline, according to initial findings by authorities.
Prior to their resignations, Baldwin and Quimpo had been placed on leave while Ateneo conducted a university-led fact-finding inquiry. The university said the move was intended to preserve the integrity, independence, and fairness of the investigation.
Ateneo President Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ, earlier announced that the university’s Board of Trustees had ordered a comprehensive review of the incident.
“A loss of this magnitude demands absolute accountability, clarity, and an unyielding review of the safety and welfare of our community,” Yap said.
The university president also became emotional as he personally apologized to the families of Baterbonia and Adili during memorial activities held in the wake of the tragedy.
“We are truly, deeply sorry,” Yap said, addressing the grieving families and members of the Ateneo community.
Yap assured the families that the university would pursue a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths and carefully review safety protocols governing athletic activities. He also emphasized Ateneo’s commitment to supporting the families and all those affected by the tragedy.
The Ateneo chief further explained that Baldwin had been asked to refrain from making public statements immediately following the incident to allow investigative processes to proceed and to give the university time to focus on supporting grieving students, coaches, staff, and families.
On June 12, Baldwin broke his public silence through a video message released by Ateneo, taking responsibility for the events that led to the deaths of the two athletes.
“I failed and I’m sorry,” Baldwin said.
The veteran coach acknowledged the trust placed in him by the families of the players and expressed deep remorse over the tragedy. He described the activity as part of the team’s training program and said he would carry the burden of the loss for the rest of his life.
The incident has sparked widespread calls for accountability and stronger safety measures in collegiate sports programs. More than 100 Ateneo faculty members signed an open letter seeking greater transparency, compassion, and clearer communication from university officials regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Investigators are also examining differing accounts of what transpired during the activity. Relatives of one victim alleged that weights may have been used during the exercise, a claim that Ateneo and police authorities have denied. The university has maintained that the athletes were in shallow water when they were struck by unexpectedly strong waves and carried away by a powerful current.
The DOJ has directed the NBI to conduct a parallel and independent investigation to determine whether criminal negligence or other violations may have contributed to the tragedy. Meanwhile, local authorities temporarily suspended operations at the resort where the activity took place while inspections and reviews are conducted.
The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has likewise indicated that it will await the outcome of the investigations before deciding whether any sanctions or disciplinary measures are warranted.
As inquiries continue, Ateneo has pledged full cooperation with authorities and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the families of Baterbonia and Adili. The deaths of the two student-athletes have sent shockwaves through the university community and reignited discussions on athlete safety, risk management, and accountability in collegiate sports programs across the country.
For many in the Ateneo community, the focus remains on seeking answers, ensuring accountability where necessary, and honoring the memory of two young athletes whose lives were cut short in a tragedy that has deeply affected Philippine collegiate sports.
DC Alviar
Professor DC Alviar is a tenured associate professor at National University (NU) Manila and a steering committee member of the Philippine International Studies Organization (PHISO). He has contributed to NU's community extension initiatives that introduced the five disciplines of a learning organization (Senge, 1990) to communities within a local government unit. He writes and edits local reports for Mega Scene. He graduated with Master of Development Communication (MDC) and Doctor of Communication (DComm) degrees from the University of the Philippines (UP) Open University in Los Baños and was awarded with a Commission on Higher Education (CHED) SIKAP grant. He previously served as editor-in-chief of The Adamson News and his high school publication Ang Ugat.
- DC Alviar
- DC Alviar
- DC Alviar
- DC Alviar
