Tab Baldwin’s alleged wife: Ateneo cagers’ deaths ‘preventable’
MANILA, Philippines — A woman identifying herself as “Efi,” who claimed to be the estranged wife of Ateneo Blue Eagles men’s basketball team head coach Tab Baldwin, and her daughter said they repeatedly warned Ateneo de Manila University that “children are not safe around him” and urged school officials to “remove” him from campus.
In the video posted by Auckland-based barrister Tudor Clee, who confirmed with the INQUIRER that he represents Efi, the woman said she has been married to Baldwin since 2011 and remains legally married to him
She also said she fled from Baldwin in early 2020 “for the sake of myself and my kids’ safety.”
READ: Tab Baldwin apologizes after players’ deaths, says he failed as coach
“At the time, I repeatedly told the Ateneo University that children are not safe around him, and it was their duty to remove him. I urged them to move him away from the campus, the university campus, and they proceeded to launch a campaign of intimidation and silencing,” she added.
These remarks came after Ateneo released a video statement from Baldwin regarding the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
She also spoke to the parents of the student-athletes, saying, “Rovelyn and Elias, the deaths of your kids were not only predictable, but preventable.”
“The bodies of your kids are still warm, and he’s talking about moving on. That’s terrible,” she added.
Explaining why she decided to speak publicly, Efi said she wanted to make it clear that Baldwin does not speak for her or their children.
READ: Tab Baldwin: I failed as leader, coach, friend
“When he talks about his family, I want to make sure that he doesn’t represent me or my kids,” she said.
Efi ended the video by urging Filipinos and police authorities to continue asking why Baldwin was allegedly “still allowed around children in spite of these warnings.”
Daughter backs allegations
Meanwhile, Efi’s daughter, Giota Kalogirou, reposted her mother’s video on X (formerly Twitter), also stating that her mother had previously “begged” Ateneo to reassign Baldwin to a different team with adults but instead made her life “a living hell.”
“My mom BEGGED them to assign him into a different team—a team with adults, away from the university, away from minors, and they not only ignored her but made her life a living hell for months,” she said.
Efi’s lawyer, Clee, also confirmed to the INQUIRER Giota’s identity, stating that she is Efi’s biological daughter but is not directly related to Baldwin.
“Yes, that is her statement, and she stands by it,” said Clee.
“Our position is—put that to Epok. He knows exactly what she is talking about,” he added, referring to Ateneo’s team manager, Epok Quimpo.
Ateneo rejects claims
Ateneo De Manila University President Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, during a press conference on Monday, clarified that the university never received information from anyone regarding risks that supposedly come with Baldwin mentoring student-athletes.
According to Yap, no one was likewise asked to be silent about the supposed advice from Efi.
“An initial review of university records shows absolutely no complaints, warnings, or communications regarding student safety in this matter. Nor was there anyone asked to be silent about this,” he added.
He said that while initial findings point to a tragic accident, an independent fact-finding body will review all records and communications to ensure transparency and accountability.
“However, these serious allegations, all claims and data will be turned over to the independent fact-finding body, which will then conduct a rigorous forensic audit of all records and communications. We will not shield or protect anyone, nor will we allow the integrity to be compromised,” Yap reaffirmed.
Yap also confirmed that the university has also accepted the resignation of Baldwin. /mcm /gsg
