Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin may face deportation and other legal cases following the deaths of two of his players during a team building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8, 2026.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has decided to investigate his Alien Employment Permit (AEP), which was issued for his role as basketball coach at Ateneo.
"If he is compliant, there is nothing to fear. If he is not, then the Department will act accordingly. This is not about persecution. This is about the rule of law," Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said during a press briefing on Thursday, June 11.
Tolentino stated that Baldwin has been summoned to personally appear before the Department.
"The summon was issued in the wake of the fatal drowning of the two Ateneo players on June 8 during a team building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, which raised questions about the conduct, supervision, and legal employment status of the foreign coaching staff overseeing the activity," Tolentino explained.
He revealed that the agency aims to verify the validity of Baldwin's AEP, which is required for all foreigners working in the Philippines.
"No foreign national is exempt from this requirement. No foreign national working in this country is above the law regardless of their status, reputation or the institution they represent. Coach Baldwin is employed in the Philippines and is subject to Philippine Labor Laws," Tolentino said.
During his appearance before DOLE, Tolentino requires Baldwin to submit the following: a valid and current AEP allowing him to serve as head coach of ADMU; evidence that the permit covers the full scope of his work as coach, including off-campus training activities; a valid employment contract with Ateneo; and documents showing compliance with required DOLE reports.
DOLE also requested Baldwin to provide a written explanation regarding the events surrounding the team building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
If Baldwin fails to comply with the summons, the DOLE chief said he could face revocation or suspension of his AEP.
He may also be endorsed to the Bureau of Immigration for appropriate immigration action, including possible deportation proceedings.
Additionally, an administrative fine may be imposed against ADMU as the principal institution for failing to ensure that their foreign worker has a valid work permit, and appropriate cases may be filed under the Labor Code for illegal employment of a foreign national.
Baldwin has served as head coach of the Blue Eagles since 2016.
The Blue Eagles players who died are Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who reportedly drowned during the team building activity. / Anton Banal
