MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo de Manila University clarified that head coach Tab Baldwin’s silence on the deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili was upon the institution’s request, urging him to refrain from making public statements while official processes are ongoing.
In a statement released Thursday afternoon, the university emphasized that Baldwin was directed to hold off on speaking publicly to allow investigations to proceed properly and ensure that facts are established before any discussion.
“The University requested that Coach Baldwin refrain from making public statements to allow the official processes to proceed and the facts to be established before any public discussion of the matter,” Ateneo said.
The school added that in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, Baldwin was advised to prioritize the emotional and psychological well-being of the players, coaches, and staff affected by the incident, while also tending to his own grief.
“In the immediate aftermath of this heartbreaking loss, our guidance to Coach Baldwin was to focus his attention on the emotional and psychological welfare of the players, coaches, and staff affected by the incident, while also attending to his own well-being as someone who is grieving alongside the rest of the community,” the statement read.
Ateneo also stressed that Baldwin’s silence should not be misinterpreted as a lack of accountability or concern.
“His silence should therefore not be misconstrued as indifference or a lack of concern. Rather, it reflects the University’s decision to place care, healing, and due process ahead of public discussion,” it added.
As multiple inquiries continue, the university expressed confidence that clarity will come in time through verified facts.
“As the various inquiries proceed, the University remains confident that the truth, established through facts rather than speculation, will in due course provide the clarity and understanding that this tragedy demands.”
