Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Baldwin resigns amid probe on death of two athletes

QUEZON CITY — Ateneo de Manila University President Fr Roberto Yap announced on Monday the resignations of men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo, alongside a formal apology following the drowning deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

During a press briefing at the university’s Quezon City campus, Yap described the sudden departures as an essential step for the institution whilst navigating a severe crisis within its athletics programme.

“Changing leadership is necessary to ensure the full integrity of our sports programme,” Yap stated.

Addressing the families of the victims directly, the university president expressed profound remorse for the tragedy.

“To the families of Rene and Divine, we see you, we hear you, we acknowledge the unbearable pain of your mourning,” Yap said. “On behalf of Ateneo de Manila University, I’m here to say simply and directly, we are truly, deeply sorry. We apologise unreservedly to the families and the entire community for the agonising pain of this tragedy.”

Yap stressed that the university intends to take full responsibility for the incident, promising complete transparency as investigations continue.

“Ateneo de Manila is not evading accountability. We will not shield or protect anyone. We will not allow our integrity to be compromised,” he added.

To guarantee an impartial inquiry, the Ateneo Board of Trustees has assembled an independent fact-finding committee composed entirely of external legal and technical experts operating outside the university's regular structure.

Yap also verified that the institution is providing comprehensive aid to the Baterbonia and Adili families.

“This is not a legal settlement but a moral obligation,” Yap remarked, confirming that Ateneo will assist with the financial, emotional, and long-term challenges caused by the tragedy.

Baldwin, a prominent figure in local collegiate basketball, stepped down as public scrutiny intensified over reports that the fatalities occurred during an off-campus team training camp held in Aurora province. Quimpo resigned shortly after to ensure local authorities face no impediments in their investigation.

Initial reports indicated that Quimpo was away in Guam supporting his son in a basketball tournament when the incident occurred, and was unaware of the circumstances that led to the student-athletes drowning.

The sudden departures leave the future of the Ateneo men's basketball programme in limbo. University officials are currently withholding further decisions until the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) issues its ruling regarding the Blue Eagles’ participation in Season 89.

The deaths of Baterbonia and Adili have raised urgent national concerns regarding student-athlete safety and institutional oversight, sparking widespread demands for more rigorous protocols during varsity training sessions.

Yap concluded by reiterating Ateneo’s commitment to full cooperation with official investigators to prevent future athletic tragedies.

“We owe it to Rene and Divine, and to the entire Ateneo community, to seek the truth and ensure accountability,” Yap said.