Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio has called on Ateneo men’s basketball coach Tab Baldwin to speak out regarding the drowning incident that claimed the lives of two student-athletes.
Gregorio questioned Baldwin’s absence from the public discussion, asking where the coach is and why he has remained silent about the tragedy.
He stressed that the incident is no longer just an Ateneo matter, saying it has already become a national concern.
According to Gregorio, Baldwin has been in the Philippines for a decade, and he finds it difficult to understand why the coach has yet to appreciate and understand Filipino culture in situations such as this.
In closing, Gregorio said Baldwin should face the public out of respect for the families of the deceased student-athletes and for the Filipino people.
Meanwhile, Ateneo announced that Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo have gone on leave amid the ongoing investigation into the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
In a newly released statement, the university said the decision was made to preserve the integrity, independence, and fairness of the investigation, and to ensure that all individuals involved are able to cooperate freely with the inquiry.
(PHOTO COURTESY: UAAP)
