The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Wednesday called on former Ateneo basketball coach Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin to appear before investigators in connection with the drowning deaths of two student-athletes in Aurora province.
CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II said Baldwin and three members of the coaching staff failed to attend a scheduled summons earlier this week as part of the ongoing fact-finding investigation into the June 8 incident in Dipaculao, Aurora, where student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili died during a team-building activity.
“Man up, be man enough to face the investigation,” Morico said during a press briefing at Camp Crame, as he urged Baldwin to cooperate with authorities in the interest of justice for the victims’ families.
Morico said the coach should not disregard the investigation if he considers the players as part of a brotherhood within the team.
“If you are talking about the battle cry of BEBOB (Blue Eagles, Band of Brothers), you are not going to turn your back,” he added.
The CIDG said it has issued a new subpoena for Baldwin and other members of the coaching staff, requiring them to appear for questioning on Thursday and Friday. Authorities are also seeking the submission of drone footage taken during the activity, which investigators believe could be crucial to reconstructing the sequence of events.
Morico warned that failure to comply with the subpoena may result in legal consequences, including charges for contempt and obstruction of justice.
Under Republic Act 10973, the CIDG is authorized to issue subpoenas, and non-compliance may lead to indirect contempt proceedings.
The CIDG said it is aiming to interview around 48 individuals, including coaches, current and former players, and other persons connected to the activity. So far, 17 individuals have already given sworn statements, with additional interviews ongoing.
Authorities are also evaluating whether charges related to hazing or homicide may be filed, as investigators continue to examine possible lapses or liabilities in the incident. The CIDG has identified seven persons of interest in the case.