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PSC Chair Demands Ateneo Coach Speak After Two Players Drowning Deaths
On June 8, 2026, two Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball players—Rene Baterbonia, 19, and Divine Adili, 21—drowned during a team‑building exercise in Dipaculao, Aurora. The tragedy unfolded while 18 players, a mix of rookies and veterans, were swimming near a tidal wave. Philippine National Police announced an investigation that may involve negligence.
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the agency that oversees the country’s sports programs, has called for accountability. PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio publicly criticized Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin for remaining silent. In a statement issued from Manila, Gregorio wrote, “Where is Tab Baldwin? Why is he still not speaking up? This is beyond Ateneo. This is a national concern. Out of respect for the families and the Filipino people, he has to come forward.” He added that Baldwin, who has been with Ateneo for ten years, should understand Filipino culture and show respect.
Baldwin, an American‑New Zealand coach, has led the Blue Eagles since 2016 and also serves as head of the Gilas Pilipinas Youth national program. He has faced scrutiny over training methods that involved swimming near tidal waves, a factor cited in the police investigation. The incident has intensified calls from students, alumni, and the public for Baldwin to address the tragedy.
Ateneo’s official statement on Monday confirmed the deaths and expressed deep sorrow. The university said it would cooperate with the police and other authorities. No comment has yet been released by Baldwin or the coaching staff.
The incident has prompted a broader discussion about athlete safety during off‑season training. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) issued a statement urging truth and accountability, while the Philippine Sports Commission emphasized that the matter “goes beyond Ateneo” and is a national concern.
Public reaction has been swift. Social media posts calling for Baldwin’s resignation and, in some cases, imprisonment, have accumulated thousands of likes and shares. Netizens have demanded that the coach face the media immediately and that the Ateneo administration take responsibility.
Ateneo’s contract with Baldwin is set to expire in January 2026, and the university has not yet indicated whether it will renew his contract. The Blue Eagles finished the 2025‑26 UAAP season with a 4‑10 record and missed the Final Four. The current situation may influence the school’s decision regarding the coach’s future.
The PSC’s call for Baldwin to speak reflects a broader expectation that sports leaders in the Philippines act responsibly, especially when student‑athletes’ safety is at stake. The PSC’s mandate includes ensuring athlete welfare, and the agency’s chairman has highlighted the need for transparency and accountability.
As the investigation proceeds, the Philippine Sports Commission and other authorities will likely review training protocols, safety measures, and the role of coaching staff in preventing similar incidents. The outcome will have implications for how universities conduct off‑season activities and for the governance of collegiate sports.
In the meantime, the families of Baterbonia and Adili remain in mourning, and the Ateneo community continues to grapple with the loss of two young athletes. The national conversation about athlete safety and coach accountability is ongoing.
The next steps will include the police’s findings, potential disciplinary actions, and the university’s response to the PSC’s demands. Until then, the incident remains a stark reminder of the risks associated with off‑season training and the importance of stringent safety protocols.
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the agency that oversees the country’s sports programs, has called for accountability. PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio publicly criticized Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin for remaining silent. In a statement issued from Manila, Gregorio wrote, “Where is Tab Baldwin? Why is he still not speaking up? This is beyond Ateneo. This is a national concern. Out of respect for the families and the Filipino people, he has to come forward.” He added that Baldwin, who has been with Ateneo for ten years, should understand Filipino culture and show respect.
Baldwin, an American‑New Zealand coach, has led the Blue Eagles since 2016 and also serves as head of the Gilas Pilipinas Youth national program. He has faced scrutiny over training methods that involved swimming near tidal waves, a factor cited in the police investigation. The incident has intensified calls from students, alumni, and the public for Baldwin to address the tragedy.
Ateneo’s official statement on Monday confirmed the deaths and expressed deep sorrow. The university said it would cooperate with the police and other authorities. No comment has yet been released by Baldwin or the coaching staff.
The incident has prompted a broader discussion about athlete safety during off‑season training. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) issued a statement urging truth and accountability, while the Philippine Sports Commission emphasized that the matter “goes beyond Ateneo” and is a national concern.
Public reaction has been swift. Social media posts calling for Baldwin’s resignation and, in some cases, imprisonment, have accumulated thousands of likes and shares. Netizens have demanded that the coach face the media immediately and that the Ateneo administration take responsibility.
Ateneo’s contract with Baldwin is set to expire in January 2026, and the university has not yet indicated whether it will renew his contract. The Blue Eagles finished the 2025‑26 UAAP season with a 4‑10 record and missed the Final Four. The current situation may influence the school’s decision regarding the coach’s future.
The PSC’s call for Baldwin to speak reflects a broader expectation that sports leaders in the Philippines act responsibly, especially when student‑athletes’ safety is at stake. The PSC’s mandate includes ensuring athlete welfare, and the agency’s chairman has highlighted the need for transparency and accountability.
As the investigation proceeds, the Philippine Sports Commission and other authorities will likely review training protocols, safety measures, and the role of coaching staff in preventing similar incidents. The outcome will have implications for how universities conduct off‑season activities and for the governance of collegiate sports.
In the meantime, the families of Baterbonia and Adili remain in mourning, and the Ateneo community continues to grapple with the loss of two young athletes. The national conversation about athlete safety and coach accountability is ongoing.
The next steps will include the police’s findings, potential disciplinary actions, and the university’s response to the PSC’s demands. Until then, the incident remains a stark reminder of the risks associated with off‑season training and the importance of stringent safety protocols.
