Tab Baldwin speaks up on Baterbonia, Adili deaths: ‘To the depth of my being, I’m sorry’

MANILA — Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin has publicly expressed sorrow and responsibility following the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a training activity in Aurora province, in a rare statement released by the university on Friday.

In a video statement shared by Ateneo, Baldwin offered an apology to the families of the two players and reflected on the circumstances surrounding the incident, which involved a training session conducted in coastal waters where conditions reportedly turned dangerous.

“I’m sorry. To the depth of my being, I’m sorry,” Baldwin said in the message.

Baldwin described the activity as a routine training run that was believed to be conducted in shallow water, but later became hazardous. He said coaches and players attempted to ensure everyone returned safely to shore.

“On that fateful day when we sent the players out for a routine training run in what we thought was shallow water, up to the moment when we realized that whatever had happened, they were in dangerous water. We did everything that we could,” he said.

He added that the realization of what had occurred marked a moment of profound regret for the coaching staff and team.

“As coaches, as people responsible for that situation, the players themselves did everything they could to ensure that everybody arrived back on shore safely. And then we realized that we hadn’t accomplished that.”

Authorities in Aurora have earlier reported that an investigation into the circumstances of the deaths is ongoing. Local officials and law enforcement have also said coordination protocols for off-campus training activities are being reviewed.

Baldwin said the incident left him with a deep sense of failure as a coach and leader, and extended his sympathy to the families of the athletes, emphasizing that their loss was far greater than that of the team or coaching staff.

“At that moment, I felt I had failed. I failed as a leader. I felt I had failed as a coach,” he said.

He also acknowledged the emotional toll on the Ateneo basketball program, noting that he had addressed the team following the incident.

“When later I faced the team to try to be a leader in that moment, I felt that I failed them too,” Baldwin said.

Despite the grief, Baldwin said he has been turning to prayer and support within his faith community as he processes the tragedy.

He appealed for continued prayers for the families of the deceased players.

“I continue to beseech everybody that cared for, loves, loved Rene and Divine and their families. Please keep praying,” he said.

Families and institutional response

Baldwin acknowledged the magnitude of grief experienced by the families of Baterbonia and Adili, saying it far exceeds that of those within the program.

He also recognized the responsibility placed on coaches by parents and guardians when student-athletes are entrusted to their care.

“As a coach, we are entrusted with the growth of our basketball players… but mostly, I’m entrusted by you, the parents and the families, with first and foremost, their well-being. And in this, I feel I’ve failed,” he said.

Ateneo de Manila University had earlier advised Baldwin to refrain from making public statements while internal processes and inquiries were underway, according to a university-issued statement.

The incident has prompted public discussion on safety protocols in collegiate sports training, particularly for off-campus and water-based conditioning exercises.

Local officials in Aurora have previously noted concerns regarding coordination and safety oversight during training activities conducted outside school grounds, underscoring the need for stricter compliance with local government requirements.

As investigations continue, university officials, local authorities, and sports stakeholders are expected to examine existing guidelines governing student-athlete safety, accountability mechanisms, and risk management procedures in collegiate programs.

For now, the Ateneo community and the families of Baterbonia and Adili continue to seek clarity on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, as official inquiries proceed.