Ateneo Blue Eagles men's basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Christopher 'Epok' Quimpo have been placed on leave while Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) conducts a fact-finding inquiry into the drowning of players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
ADMU President Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ announced the decision in a statement released on Thursday, June 11, following a directive from the Board of Trustees to conduct a thorough investigation into the events that led to the deaths of the two athletes.
According to Yap, the temporary absence of Baldwin and Quimpo aims to preserve the integrity, independence, and fairness of the ongoing fact-finding inquiry. '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 stated.
The official also emphasized that the university is cooperating fully with authorities and relevant agencies conducting their own investigations into the incident. 'The University is cooperating fully, transparently, and without reservation with all investigations being undertaken by national authorities and competent regulatory bodies,' he added.
Yap also requested continued prayers from the public for clarity on the tragedy and for the families of the deceased athletes. 'We ask our community for their continued prayers as we navigate this dark chapter,' he said.
It is recalled that Ateneo de Manila University officially announced on June 8 the passing of Baterbonia and Adili after they drowned during a team-building activity in Aurora.
