Tab Baldwin, head coach of the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, speaks to the people that team members Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili left behind. | Screen grab from Ateneo de Manila University’s video
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A visibly emotional and remorseful Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin, head coach of the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles men’s basketball team, has spoken publicly for the first time following the tragic passing of two of his players, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, in an incident in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8.
In an eight-minute video released by Ateneo de Manila University online, Baldwin addressed the families, friends, and loved ones of the two student-athletes, asking for prayers and forgiveness amid the overwhelming grief surrounding their deaths.
Baldwin said he accepts responsibility for the incident and acknowledged the pain felt by the bereaved families, stressing that their loss far outweighs his own as a coach. He described the tragedy as something that left him in a deeply painful and dark state, saying he had failed in his role as a leader, mentor, and friend to the players and the team.
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