MANILA — Ateneo de Manila University has accepted the immediate resignations of longtime head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo as the school undertakes a sweeping review of its men’s basketball program following the deaths of Blue Eagles players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
The leadership shake-up was announced Monday by Ateneo president Fr. Roberto “Bobby” Yap, SJ, during a press briefing held a week after the tragedy in Dipaculao, Aurora, as multiple investigations into the incident continue.
“We will not shield or protect anyone nor will we allow their integrity to be compromised,” Yap said. “With this, I also must inform everyone that the University has accepted the resignation of head coach Tab Baldwin effective immediately.”
The resignation marks the end of a highly successful era for Ateneo basketball. Baldwin, who took over the Blue Eagles program in 2016, steered the team to four UAAP championships, including a historic three-peat from 2017 to 2019, and helped establish Ateneo as one of the league’s dominant programs.
Despite acknowledging Baldwin’s contributions, Yap said the university believes new leadership is needed as it evaluates the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and reviews its basketball operations.
“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,” he said.
Ateneo also confirmed the resignation of Quimpo, who had been serving as team manager.
“Yes, team manager Epok Quimpo has also submitted his resignation and we have also accepted it,” Yap said.
The resignations come as authorities continue separate investigations into the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili, while Ateneo pursues its own internal inquiry.
Last week, the university announced that Baldwin and Quimpo would temporarily step away from their duties pending the outcome of the investigations. Their resignations have now taken effect immediately, signaling a major transition for the Blue Eagles program as Ateneo seeks accountability and reforms in the aftermath of the tragedy./PN
