Ateneo: No heads-up on risks of Baldwin coaching students

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) has clarified that it has never received information from anyone regarding risks that supposedly come with former men’s basketball team coach Tab Baldwin mentoring student-athletes, amid claims from Baldwin’s estranged wife that she warned university officials.

ADMU President Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, also said in a statement he delivered during a press conference on Monday afternoon that no one was asked to be silent about the advice from a certain Efi Baldwin.

Efi said she and her daughter repeatedly warned Ateneo authorities about children not being safe around the former head coach.

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She made the statement days after the death of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, members of the Ateneo men’s basketball team, during a team-building activity in Aurora. Tab Baldwin was present at the event as the team’s head coach.

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“We would also like to address the increasing distortion of facts circulating in public regarding Ateneo’s alleged prior knowledge of safety risks and accusations of institutional intimidation,” Yap said.

“An initial review of university records shows absolutely no complaints, warnings, or communications regarding student safety in this matter. Nor was there anyone asked to be silent about this,” he added.

READ: Tab Baldwin’s alleged wife: Ateneo cagers’ deaths ‘preventable’

Fr. RB Hizon, SJ, director of ADMU’s alumni affairs, echoed Yap’s statements.

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“We really have no direct information on this so far; in fact, there was never any, as far as we know,” he said.

However, Yap said that these things will be part of the independent fact-finding body’s scope.

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Earlier in the briefing, Yap said that while initial information indicates the June 8 incident was an accident, Ateneo’s Board of Trustees has tapped an independent body to conduct a review.

“However, these serious allegations, all claims and data will be turned over to the independent fact-finding body, which will then conduct a rigorous forensic audit of all records and communications.  We will not shield or protect anyone, nor will we allow the integrity to be compromised,” Yap said.

“So far, all available information and accounts on what happened on June 8 show that it was a tragic accident.  But we understand completely that for loved ones, the word accident is never easy to accept…For full clarity, transparency, and justice, our Board of Trustees formed an independent, fact-finding body composed of external, highly competent, legal and technical experts who will operate entirely outside Ateneo’s administrative structure,” he added.

Earlier, Yap confirmed that ADMU has accepted the resignation of men’s basketball team head coach Tab Baldwin.

READ: Who is Tab Baldwin? Ateneo coach faces scrutiny after tragedy

According to the university president, ADMU must “look inward” and evaluate its system to ensure that student-athletes will remain safe and fulfill their dreams.

“Two young men entrusted to our care did not return home, and that fact breaks our hearts.  No explanation, context, or words can undo that loss. We face this moment with absolute humility, and we ask your prayers and your forgiveness,” he added.

READ: Ateneo head apologizes: 2 young men entrusted to us didn’t return home

Ateneo announced last Monday that Baterbonia and Adili died after drowning during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora. Baterbonia, 19, recently played in the Palarong Pambansa finals two weeks ago and had committed to the Blue Eagles program, while 21-year-old Nigerian foreign student Adili played in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

READ: Ateneo’s Rene Baterbonia, Divine Adili die in drowning incident

Initial report from the Police Regional Office 3 stated that Baterbonia and Adili “were swimming when they were reportedly carried by a strong current into deeper waters.”

Police said an investigation is underway.

Several lawmakers have vowed to file a resolution seeking a congressional inquiry into the incident.

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According to members of the House of Representatives’ Young Guns bloc, the investigation will allow lawmakers to craft laws that will ensure the safety of student-athletes. /mcm