FORMER Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin appeared Tuesday before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) which is investigating the drowning of Blue Eagles Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
Baldwin, accompanied by his legal counsel Karl David, arrived at the NBI office at 1:45 p.m. and remained at the bureau for questioning. He declined to issue any statement and did not respond to questions from members of the media.
Baldwin did not attend two earlier scheduled subpoenas, including a June 16 summons where his lawyer appeared on his behalf, citing that he was “not in good condition,” and a June 19 schedule, when he instead appeared before the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for a separate proceeding. Earlier reports also noted that Baldwin had postponed previous appearances due to personal and health-related reasons.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the bureau is comparing Baldwin’s testimony with statements he previously gave to the CIDG as part of efforts to establish a consistent account of events. He said investigators were aiming to complete the probe within the week, after earlier delays caused by the nonappearance of some subpoenaed individuals.
Matibag added that the NBI secured autopsy findings showing that Baterbonia and Adili drowned, with no indication of foul play such as being forcibly held underwater or subjected to external interference.
The autopsy reports have been turned over to the victims’ families, according to the bureau, as part of the documentation for death certification.
Investigators have since shifted focus to environmental and situational factors, including strong sea currents and swimming conditions along the Pacific coastline in Aurora where the incident occurred. The probe is also examining whether rip currents, combined with the reported limited swimming ability of some participants, may have contributed to the fatalities.
Initial findings from resort management indicated that safety measures were in place at the time of the incident, including warnings, designated swimming areas, and restrictions on how far guests could enter the water. The resort had previously hosted the Ateneo basketball program without any reported incidents.
Investigators have interviewed more than 20 current and former members of the Ateneo men’s basketball program, coaching staff, and team officials, including resigned team manager Epok Quimpo, as well as resort staff and management.
The NBI said its findings remained preliminary as it continued to gather testimonies and evaluate physical and documentary evidence before releasing its final conclusions on the case.
