MANILA — Ateneo de Manila University has placed longtime head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Christopher “Epok” Quimpo on leave as it launches an independent investigation into the tragic deaths of Blue Eagles players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team activity in Aurora, a move that underscores the university’s commitment to uncovering what led to one of the darkest incidents in the program’s history.
The university’s Board of Trustees ordered a comprehensive fact-finding inquiry following the deaths of the two student-athletes, who were swept away by strong waves and rip currents during a conditioning exercise on June 8.
In a statement, Ateneo president Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ said Baldwin and Quimpo would temporarily step aside to ensure the integrity of the investigation.
“To preserve the total integrity, independence, and fairness of this investigation — and to ensure all participants can cooperate freely without any actual or perceived pressure — Head Coach Thomas Anthony ‘Tab’ Baldwin and Team Manager Christopher ‘Epok’ Quimpo have gone on leave for the duration of the inquiry,” Yap said.
The university said the independent panel will reconstruct the sequence of events surrounding the tragedy, examine existing athletic and safety protocols, and interview all individuals who were present during the activity.
According to Ateneo, the team was conducting a conditioning exercise in knee-deep water near the shoreline when they were “suddenly engulfed by massive waves and a powerful rip current.”
Most of the players managed to return to safety, but Baterbonia and Adili were reportedly swept away by the strong current.
Amid speculation circulating on social media, Ateneo also categorically denied claims that weights were used during the conditioning exercise.
“We state categorically, to protect the dignity of our fallen players, that no weights of any kind were used during this exercise,” the university said.
Yap said the findings of the independent investigation would be submitted directly to the Board of Trustees, which would determine the appropriate actions based on the results and applicable laws.
The university also pledged full cooperation with separate investigations being conducted by government authorities and regulatory agencies.
“A loss of this magnitude demands absolute accountability, clarity, and an unyielding review of the safety and welfare of our community,” Yap said.
The deaths of Baterbonia and Adili have sparked widespread calls for accountability and a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the team-building and conditioning activity.
Ateneo said its immediate focus remains on providing material, emotional and pastoral support to the families of the two student-athletes as the university community continues to mourn their loss./PN
