Ateneo puts Baldwin, Quimpo on leave amid findings on drowning incident
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) released a statement on Thursday, June 11, detailing the institution’s initial findings on the tragic drowning incident that claimed the lives of rookie guard Rene Baterbonia and Nigerian center Divine Adili on June 8.
According to the statement, which was released through university president Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ, the university gathered accounts from individuals present during the team activity that preceded the deaths of the two student-athletes. Based on the information gathered so far, the team was conducting a conditioning exercise in knee-deep water near the shoreline when the incident occurred. Baterbonia and Adili’s remains were found 30 to 40 minutes later and were both declared dead.
While the university did not disclose the identities of those interviewed, it said the information was obtained from individuals who were present during the incident, presumably including members of the team and coaching staff.
READ: Dole chief summons Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin over drownings, work permit
Addressing speculations
The statement also addressed speculation circulating on social media, categorically stating that neither Adili nor Baterbonia wore weights on their ankles during the exercise.
“In our commitment to honor the memory of Bobet and Divine, the University must seek the absolute truth. Based on what we have gathered from those present, on Monday, 8 June 2026, the team was engaged in a conditioning exercise in knee-deep water near the shoreline when they were suddenly engulfed by massive waves and a powerful rip current. While most of the players managed to fight their way back to safety, Rene and Divine were pulled away. We state categorically, to protect the dignity of our fallen players, that no weights of any kind were used during this exercise,” the statement read.
READ: Rene Baterbonia drowning: Ateneo group 300 meters from resort, asked to be left alone – PNP
Dragged into deeper waters
Despite the discrepancy regarding the depth and location of the exercise, both the university’s initial findings and those of the Aurora police indicated that Adili and Baterbonia were swept into deeper waters by strong waves and a powerful rip current.
The university said the inquiry would thoroughly examine all circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
As part of the investigation, Ateneo said it would reconstruct a transparent timeline of events, review all athletic protocols, and interview every individual present during the incident.
“This inquiry will exhaustively examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, reconstruct a transparent timeline, review all athletic protocols, and interview every individual present. Upon its completion, the independent findings will be submitted directly to the Board of Trustees for swift and appropriate structural action, guided always by the requirements of law, due process, and our sacred responsibility to the families,” the statement added.
READ: Malacañang orders swift probe into drowning deaths of Ateneo athletes
Tab Baldwin, Epok Quimpo on leave
The statement concluded by announcing that Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin and team manager Christopher “Epok” Quimpo have gone on leave for the duration of the inquiry.
According to the university, the move aims to preserve the integrity, independence, and fairness of the investigation while ensuring that all participants can cooperate freely without actual or perceived pressure.
“To preserve the total integrity, independence, and fairness of this investigation — and to ensure all participants can cooperate freely without any actual or perceived pressure — Head Coach Thomas Anthony ‘Tab’ Baldwin and Team Manager Christopher ‘Epok’ Quimpo have gone on leave for the duration of the inquiry.
“The University is cooperating fully, transparently, and without reservation with all investigations being undertaken by national authorities and competent regulatory bodies.
“We ask our community for their continued prayers as we navigate this dark chapter,” the statement concluded.
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