Blab Sports
Tab Baldwin Resigns After Two Ateneo Players Drown During Training
When a summer conditioning drill turned into a tragedy on June 8, the ripple of grief and accountability reached far beyond the waves of Dipaculao Beach. Strong surf swept several Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball players into deeper water, and two student‑athletes—18‑year‑old Rene Baterbonia and 21‑year‑old Divine Adili—were unable to return. The university’s athletic department confirmed the incident and noted that the team was on a shoreline drill at the time.
A week later, on Monday, June 15, Ateneo president Father Roberto Yap announced Baldwin’s resignation in a press conference. "We thank him for the years of service to the Blue Eagles but as we enter a period of deep institutional review, a change in leadership is necessary to ensure the full integrity of our sports programs and safety protocols governing them," Yap said. Baldwin’s resignation took effect immediately.
Three days after the loss, the former Tall Blacks coach posted a video apology. "As a coach, 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. And I’m sorry," he said.
In response to the tragedy, Ateneo has established an independent fact‑finding panel to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The university also pledged to support the players, coaching staff and families throughout the grieving process.
The Philippine National Bureau of Investigation has formed a task force to assess whether safety protocols were observed during the training activity. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) ordered an immediate and impartial report and launched a fact‑finding and administrative review.
The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) expressed its grief and announced it would review safety protocols for all member schools’ training activities.
Baldwin’s resignation follows a series of inquiries that have highlighted gaps in the university’s safety procedures. The incident has prompted calls for greater oversight of student‑athlete training, especially in high‑risk environments such as beaches.
At present, the investigation remains ongoing. The university has not released a detailed timeline of the training session, and no foul play has been reported. The NBI task force and CHED review are expected to produce findings in the coming weeks.
The Blue Eagles’ next competitive game is scheduled for July 5, 2026, against the De La Salle Green Archers. The outcome of the investigations may influence coaching appointments and safety policy revisions before the start of the next UAAP season.
In the meantime, Ateneo has pledged to maintain its commitment to student‑athlete welfare and to rebuild trust within its athletic program.
A week later, on Monday, June 15, Ateneo president Father Roberto Yap announced Baldwin’s resignation in a press conference. "We thank him for the years of service to the Blue Eagles but as we enter a period of deep institutional review, a change in leadership is necessary to ensure the full integrity of our sports programs and safety protocols governing them," Yap said. Baldwin’s resignation took effect immediately.
Three days after the loss, the former Tall Blacks coach posted a video apology. "As a coach, 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. And I’m sorry," he said.
In response to the tragedy, Ateneo has established an independent fact‑finding panel to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The university also pledged to support the players, coaching staff and families throughout the grieving process.
The Philippine National Bureau of Investigation has formed a task force to assess whether safety protocols were observed during the training activity. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) ordered an immediate and impartial report and launched a fact‑finding and administrative review.
The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) expressed its grief and announced it would review safety protocols for all member schools’ training activities.
Baldwin’s resignation follows a series of inquiries that have highlighted gaps in the university’s safety procedures. The incident has prompted calls for greater oversight of student‑athlete training, especially in high‑risk environments such as beaches.
At present, the investigation remains ongoing. The university has not released a detailed timeline of the training session, and no foul play has been reported. The NBI task force and CHED review are expected to produce findings in the coming weeks.
The Blue Eagles’ next competitive game is scheduled for July 5, 2026, against the De La Salle Green Archers. The outcome of the investigations may influence coaching appointments and safety policy revisions before the start of the next UAAP season.
In the meantime, Ateneo has pledged to maintain its commitment to student‑athlete welfare and to rebuild trust within its athletic program.
