TEN former Blue Eagles arrived at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) headquarters at Camp Crame Tuesday to give statements on their training with embattled Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) basketball coach Tab Baldwin.
Only three former Blue Eagles were invited by the CIDG but seven more came, most of them now playing in the professional league.
Among them were Anton Asistio (Rain or Shine Elasto Painters), Mike Nieto (TNT Tropang Giga), Geo Chiu (Terrafirma Dyip), Kyle Ong, Tyler Tio (Terrafirma Dyip), Lars Fjellvang (San Beda Red Lions), Kymandi Ladi (Caloocan Batang Kankaloo), Dom Escobar (Caloocan Batang Kankaloo) and two unnamed others.
Authorities were taking their statements as of press time.
Baldwin resigned as coach of the Ateneo Blue Eagles following the drowning of Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a training activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on Monday.
Meanwhile, Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said Baldwin’s resignation will not stop the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) from investigating his compliance with Alien Employment Permit (AEP) requirements.
Tolentino stressed that the inquiry centers on circumstances that existed before Baldwin stepped down, particularly the employer-employee relationship in effect at the time of the incident under review.
“We’re looking at an incident that transpired June 8th. We’re not looking at the prospective itself, of the resignation,” Tolentino said in an interview, noting the inquiry is focused on determining whether labor and employment regulations were properly observed while Baldwin was still serving as Ateneo’s head coach.
“The employee-employer relationship, which existed during the incident, would have to be scrutinized,” he added.
This comes a day after Baldwin, through legal counsel, attended the initial hearing conducted by DOLE following the subpoena issued on June 11.
Baldwin did not personally appear at the proceeding, with his lawyer citing health concerns and mental stress as reasons for his absence.
During the initial hearing, Baldwin’s legal team presented his Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR), which establishes his status as a legal resident of the Philippines.
DOLE acknowledged the explanation and granted Baldwin time to submit a verified answer and supporting documents.
Baldwin has until June 25 to file his formal response to the allegations.
“After June 25, we will hold a formal hearing on June 29. We are simply following the law. The parties are allowed two hearings, but if only one hearing is conducted, we have 30 days after the initial hearing to resolve the matter,” Tolentino said.
Clarifying the distinction between the two documents, he said an ACR authorizes a foreign national to reside in the Philippines, while an AEP is required for lawful employment in the country.
A formal hearing was scheduled on June 29, with Baldwin expected to attend.
Tolentino warned of potential legal repercussions for noncompliance, including deportation or imprisonment ranging from three months to three years. He advised academic institutions to ensure that the work performed by their foreign employees strictly adheres to the scope of their contracts.
In a related development, the remains of Adili will be moved from the AdMU campus to the Arlington Memorial Chapels in Quezon City on Wednesday.
“As part of the preparations for repatriation and in accordance with the wishes of the Adili family, the venue of the wake for Chukwuemeka Divine Adili, beloved Ateneo student and athlete, will be moved to Arlington Memorial Chapels, Araneta Avenue, Quezon City, beginning June 17, 2026,” Ateneo said in a social media post on Tuesday.
It said Adili’s wake is open from noon to 8:00 p.m. every day, with daily masses celebrated for the player every day at 5 p.m.
Arlington also hosted the wake for Baterbonia.
As of press time, the Nigerian player’s remains lie in repose at the Immaculate Conception Chapel on the Ateneo campus.
“Divine Adili’s journey brought him far from home, but along the way he found teammates, classmates, coaches, and friends who came to know and love him,” the university said in a statement on June 12.
“He made a lasting impact through the warmth of his presence, the friendships he formed, and the joy he brought to the communities he became part of. We remember Divine with affection and gratitude, and grieve with all those who loved him — in the Philippines, in Nigeria, and beyond,” it added. IZEL ABANILLA, WILLIAM DEPASUPIL, ARIC JOHN SY CUA
