Too early to say if Baldwin liable for Ateneo cagers’ death – Remulla

MANILA, Philippines — Investigators have yet to establish whether or not Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin can be held liable for the death due to drowning of two of his players earlier this month, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

Baldwin on Friday morning showed up at thePhilippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP–CIDG) headquarters for the probe into Baterbonia and Adili’s death.

Asked whether the investigation has found any violations committed by Baldwin during the incident, Remulla told reporters in Camp Crame on Friday, “Not yet. Wait until the full report.”

READ: Ateneo drowning probe: Baldwin arrives at CIDG

Baldwin had been subpoenaed for a second time after failing to personally appear last Monday.

CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II previously explained that Baldwin was summoned particularly to provide personal knowledge of the incident and to produce the drone footage of the rescue efforts.

“The drone footage was very short. Parang two minutes lang after the fact. We’re still researching kung may footage sila of the event itself. So far, walang lumalabas (so far, there’s none.),” Remulla said.

“He had the drone retrieved by an assistant coach, the student manager perhaps. He tried to operate the drone while the players were being rescued… In the confusion of it all, the drone failed. But, the resort, I think, put up another drone,” he added.

Baterbonia and Adili died after being swept away by waves and drowned during a training / team building activity in a beach resort in Dipaculao, Aurora last June 8.

Baldwin apologized over Baterbonia and Adili’s deaths and resigned from his post.

“Baldwin’s statement is material because he was the head coach, head of management. He makes 90 percent of the executive decisions. So, his testimony is very important,” Remulla said. /gsg