MANILA, Philippines – Rovelyn Baterbonia, mother of the late Ateneo men's basketball team member Rene Clert, expressed gratitude on Friday that the UAAP banned resigned Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin, who's allegedly responsible for the death of his son "Bobet" in a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8.
The team-building activity also claimed the life of Rene's teammate and foreign student-athlete Divine Adili. Both died from drowning, with rip currents playing a major role in the tragedy.
“Thank you, God," said Rovelyn, sharing a post that stated the UAAP perpetually banned Baldwin on Friday with no appeal.
The UAAP, meanwhile, gave the Blue Eagles clearance to play in the upcoming Season 89 men's basketball tournament, saying that the student-athletes are also victims of the tragedy.
Baldwin apparently has not reached out yet to the families of Rene and Divine to personally explain what happened in the tragic team-building activity.
The 68-year-old coach who led the Blue Eagles to four titles apologized only through a video posted by Ateneo de Manila on June 12.
Meanwhile, the UAAP suspended resigned Blue Eagles team manager Epok Quimpo, assistant coaches Dean Caesar Castaño, Sandro Nicholas Romero Soriano, Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., Hernan Ameer Domingo, Caesar Vincent Javellana Elumba, and Grant Dearns, as well as physical therapist John Eric Rueca in all league activities until further notice.
The UAAP said they may appeal the sanction to the league board.
