QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Heeding a final warning from state probers after missing his initial summons, the former head coach of the Ateneo Blue Eagles has surfaced. Former Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) men’s basketball head coach Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin arrived at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) headquarters in Camp Crame.
The high-profile arrival marks a pivotal step in the government’s investigation into the fatal drownings of rookie players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili in Dipaculao, Aurora, earlier this month.
Baldwin arrived at the police unit’s headquarters shortly before 8:30 a.m. on Friday, meeting a strict deadline to avoid potential arrest for contempt:
[ CAMP CRAME LEGAL APPEARANCE PROFILE ]
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[ THE MEDIA BLACKOUT ] [ THE SUBPOENA REBOOT ]
• **No Initial Statements:** Neither Baldwin nor his accompanying • **Lawyers Turned Away:** The CIDG issued a second subpoena after
legal entourage offered comments to reporters on the ground. • rejecting Baldwin's defense counsel on Monday, stating the
• **Strict Security Escort:** Camp Crame police officers barred • lawyers lacked personal knowledge of the drowning scene.
the press from physically approaching the main headquarters line. • **The Drone Mandate:** Baldwin was explicitly ordered to surrender
• • aerial drone footage he recorded during the fatal June 8 run.
The appearance follows an intense public warning issued on Wednesday by CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II, who bluntly urged Baldwin to “man up,” honor the program’s BEBOB (Blue Eagles, Band of Brothers) loyalty code, and face the probers.
The CIDG reiterated that it is entirely rejecting early narratives framing the deaths as a tragic, unpreventable accident. Instead, the multi-agency tracking pool is establishing a case centered on homicide or potential violations of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 (RA 11053):
[ THE INVESTIGATION LOGISTICS BASELINE ] │ ▼[ 700 Meters Out ] ──► Forensic analysis confirms the physical training took place **700 meters away** from the resort's designated safe swimming area along an isolated, unmonitored coastal perimeter. │ ▼[ Weather Warning ] ──► Witness data shows participants discussed the extreme rip currents and hazardous weather conditions before hitting the water, proving the coaching staff had prior knowledge of the risks. │ ▼[ 48 Subpoenas ] ──► The CIDG is executing **48 total subpoenas** across the program. So far, investigators have secured direct sworn affidavits from 17 individuals, including player Jared Bahay on Wednesday.
The high-stakes corporate and athletic fallout has already spurred rapid actions from cabinet-level departments, setting up a definitive hand-off date for formal prosecution:
[ THE STATE ENFORCEMENT AND PROSECUTION LINE ] │ ▼[ June 11, 2024 ] ──► **The Public Apology:** Baldwin issues an 8-minute video addressing the tragedy. Ateneo subsequently accepts his formal resignation from the basketball program. │ ▼[ June 17, 2026 ] ──► **The Border Watch:** The Department of Justice (DOJ) officially slaps an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) on Baldwin and four former assistant coaches and managers. │ ▼[ June 23, 2026 ] ──► **The DOJ Turnover:** DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirms the PNP will officially turn over its finalized, comprehensive criminal report to the DOJ next Tuesday for formal filing.
The Emotional Component: To protect the remaining members of the roster who are currently undergoing rigorous interrogation cycles at Camp Crame, Major General Morico confirmed that a dedicated team of state psychologists and psychiatrists has been stationed inside the headquarters to provide immediate mental health support to the young student-athletes.