Ateneo coaches to face contempt raps if no-show again at CIDG

MANILA, Philippines — Former Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball head coach Thomas “Tab” Baldwin and the team’s other coaches may face indirect contempt cases if they fail to appear again before the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP–CIDG).

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla made this warning in an interview with reporters in Camp Crame on Thursday in connection with the PNP–CIDG’s investigation into the fatal drownings of Ateneo players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

According to Remulla, Baldwin and the other Ateneo coaches are due to appear before the PNP–CIDG in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Friday.

Asked about the consequences if they do not personally appear at the CIDG, Remulla said, “We will find them in contempt.”

READ: DILG to submit full report on Ateneo drowning case to DOJ on Tuesday

Baldwin, team manager Christopher “Epok” Quimpo and coaching staff Reynaldo Jacinto and Dean Castaño had been subpoenaed by the CIDG last Monday but only sent their lawyers on their behalf, according to the unit’s director, Police Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II.

Morico previously explained that although Baldwin and the other Ateneo officials had the right to counsel, the lawyers did not have personal knowledge of the incident.

Baterbonia and Adili died after being reportedly swept away by a current during a training along the shoreline of Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8.

Remulla’s department previously announced that the PNP–CIDG had subpoenaed all the players and coaches present during the Aurora tragedy.

Republic Act No. 10973 gives the PNP chief and the CIDG director and deputy director the power to issue subpoenas for its investigations.

“Failure to comply with subpoena and subpoena duces tecum shall authorize the filing of a case for indirect contempt under the Rules of Court with the Regional Trial Court,” RA No. 10973 states. /apl