THE mother of the late student-athlete Rene Baterbonia expressed frustration after watching Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin’s public apology that was posted on the Facebook page of the Ateneo de Manila University Thursday night.
It was the first time Baldwin spoke of the drowning of Baterbonia, 19, and Divine Adili, 21, during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8.
For Rene’s mother, Rovelyn, the words of apology fell short as she continues to seek clarity and accountability.
“No amount of ‘sorry’ or apologies can bring back my child,” she wrote on Facebook in Cebuano while sharing Baldwin’s statement.
“What I want you to tell me is what really happened,” she added. “Why are you saying it was just an accident? You claim it was only an accident, but you haven’t updated me on what actually took place. You even posted on social media that my child is dead, yet you still haven’t sent me any photo or proof that my child is truly gone.”
Rene’s remains have since arrived in Davao and are set to be brought to Agusan del Sur to his final resting place.
In his statement, Baldwin addressed the media, expressed remorse, and apologized to the families of the victims.
“Yes, as a coach, I lost my boys, too,” Baldwin said.
“Never again would I be able to help them develop into the basketball players they wanted to be, or grow into the young men they promised they could become. But that’s insignificant compared to what your families are experiencing,” he added.
Baldwin acknowledged that he failed in his responsibilities as a coach.
“As a coach, I am entrusted by you — the parents and families — with their well-being first and foremost. And in this, I feel I’ve failed. And I’m sorry. To the depth of my being, I’m sorry.”
Warning from estranged wife
Shortly after Baldwin’s video was released, his estranged wife Efi released her own, claiming she had previously warned Ateneo de Manila University that “children were not safe around him.”
In her video, Efi said she had reached out to the university in the past, urging officials to remove Baldwin from campus.
“At the time, I repeatedly informed Ateneo de Manila University that children were not safe around him, and I urged the university to take action and remove him from the campus,” she said. “Instead, what followed was a campaign of intimidation and silencing.”
Efi also spoke about her personal relationship with Baldwin.
“My name is Efi, and I have been married to Tab Baldwin since 2011. I am still legally married to him; however, in early 2020, I had to leave him for my safety and the safety of my children,” she said.
“This statement is in response to his latest interview and his comments regarding his family. I want to make it clear that he does not represent my children or me.”
“Rovelyn (Baterbonia) and Elias (Adili) — the deaths of your children were not only predictable, but preventable. Their bodies are still warm, and yet he is speaking about moving on. That is unacceptable,” she said.
Efi urged the public and authorities to continue seeking accountability.
“I am urging Filipinos, as well as the authorities, to continue asking why he was still allowed around children despite these warnings.”
Police report
Based on police reports, there was no foul play involved, and both Baterbonia and Adili drowned after being swept away by a rip current.
Despite this, Rovelyn continues to call for a clear and detailed explanation from Ateneo, as questions and speculation surrounding the incident persist, including allegations about the team’s “military-like” training.
Unprepared for tragedy
Baldwin said he's lost loved ones before, but none of that or anything in his life could prepare him for the tragic passing of his players.
"As badly as I feel, I can't begin to understand or guess what the families feel. I've lost my best friend; I've lost my closest brother, but not on these kinds of tragic circumstances so I know loss but I don't think I know it to this degree," said Baldwin in an interview with Powcast Sports.
"I think there are a lot of people aren't doing particularly well. Nothing ever happened in my life that prepared me for this. When I look at our players, they're so much younger. I feel horrible for them and what they experienced but life goes on; you have to cope, you have to try. You have to get up in the morning and help your family and be there for them but nothing is easy."
Baldwin, 68, said his circle of friends have voiced support for him in this difficult time, but he insisted that all concern should be directed at the bereaved families of Baterbonia and Adili.
"There's a tremendous amount of support coming from friends and people who care about the team, but I keep saying it's not about me," said Baldwin.
"It should be about the players; what can we do to bring comfort to the family,” he said.
"There's moments of clarity where I feel like there's light at the end of the tunnel and there's time where there's not; there's just darkness,” the coach said. “I just hope everybody [will] pray for the boys and pray for the families."
Mixed reactions
Comments on Baldwin’s video message on the deaths of two of his basketball players drew mixed reactions.
“We understand that what happened is painful for you as well, but you still need to face your accountability for what happened. For now, all we can do is hope and pray for a fair judgment, so justice can be served for those who lost their loved ones,” commented Joshua Espiritu on Friday.
“Coach, we understand accidents can occur at any moment. Please take these incidents seriously. A single moment can change everything. Parents work hard for their children’s future, so we ask you to please be cautious,” said Apong Ocamil.
“No coach wants to be in that situation, but if the school had assigned safety officers during the team-building activity and properly coordinated with the LGU, this tragedy could have been prevented. The public is demanding accountability, and this incident could mark a serious turning point for both you and the institution you represent,” said Rio Carandang.
“My question is simple: why didn’t you call their parents immediately and directly? You are grieving too, and I give you and the team that, but simple immediate communication would have helped. Getting to them before the media would have helped,” said Michelle Lagdameo.
“The parents are not asking for your personal drama. They are asking for the truth. They deserve a clear timeline of events, an explanation of what happened, who was responsible for what, and what failures led to this tragedy. Most importantly, they deserve accountability and a clear explanation of the actions being taken to ensure this never happens again,” wrote Sheila Liu.
