PHILIPPINE Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio did not hold back as he called out Ateneo de Manila University head coach Tab Baldwin for his continued silence following the deaths of Blue Eagles Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
Gregorio urged Baldwin to step forward and address the nation, stressing that the tragic incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora goes beyond the university and has become a matter of national concern.
“Where is Tab Baldwin? Why is he still not speaking up? This is beyond Ateneo. This is a national concern. Out of respect for the families and the Filipino people, he has to come forward,” Gregorio said.
“He has been here for 10 years. I don’t understand why he can’t understand our culture — konting respeto at pakikipagkapwa naman,” he added.
Meanwhile, Baterbonia’s remains will be flown to Talacogon, Agusan del Sur on Friday, the Ateneo de Manila University announced Thursday.
A wake mass for Baterbonia was set to be held first on Thursday at the Arlington Memorial Chapels in Quezon City at 6 p.m.
“Today, we remember Rene with gratitude for his life and grieve with all who loved him. A wake mass in remembrance of Rene’s life will be celebrated today, 11 June 2026, at 6:00 pm at Arlington Memorial Chapels,” Ateneo wrote.
“Rene will be brought home to Agusan del Sur via Davao on Friday morning, 12 June 2026. Please continue to keep Rene and his bereaved family in your thoughts and prayers during this time of loss, as we entrust him to God’s loving mercy and embrace. May he rest in God’s peace.”
Baterbonia, alongside basketball teammate Adili, drowned and passed away on Monday during a team-building activity in Aurora.
