DOLE Summons Ateneo’s Baldwin

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has summoned Thomas Anthony Baldwin, head coach of the Ateneo de Manila University’s men’s basketball team.

Following the deaths of two varsity athletes, the DOLE has directed Baldwin, a dual American-New Zealand citizen, to present a valid alien employment permit and other documents proving his compliance with labor regulations.

“No foreign national working in this country is above the law, regardless of their status, reputation, or the institution they represent,” Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said on Thursday, June 11.

Ateneo said Baldwin and Blue Eagles team manager Christopher Quimpo “have gone on leave for the duration of (Ateneo’s fact-finding inquiry).”

“Baldwin’s silence… should not be misconstrued as indifference or a lack of concern. Rather, it reflects the university’s decision to place care, healing and due process ahead of public discussion,” Ateneo said.

The police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has issued subpoenas to more than 20 people.

Incoming rookie Rene Clert Baterbonia, 19, and Nigerian import Chukwuemeka Divine Adili, 21, died on Monday, June 8, in drowning incidents during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

Immigration alert

An immigration alert for Baldwin has been requested by lawyers of Baterbonia’s family and the CIDG.

Lawyers Israelito Torreon and Jimmy Bondoc filed a request for an immigration lookout bulletin order before the Department of Justice.

The DOJ said their request will be “evaluated on the basis of fully established facts.”

Video footage

Police obtained Hermanos Leisure Farm and Surf Camp’s closed-circuit television footage, which may show “what they were doing inside the resort before the incident,” Aurora police director Col. Percival Pineda said.

Drone footage from the Dipaculao municipal disaster risk reduction and management office (MDRRMO) showed responders and Baterbonia and Adili’s teammates carrying them back to shore.

Dipaculao MDRRMO rescue team leader Angel Librero said it took about 30 minutes before authorities were alerted to the incident.

Initial responders, including resort staff and a lifeguard, were conducting search operations when the MDRRMO team arrived, Librero said.

‘Don’t spread rumors’

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has urged people to refrain from spreading rumors, such as the alleged ankle weights worn by the student-athletes during the training, debunked by Aurora police.

Although the Department of the Interior and Local Government said probers are looking into possible violations of the Anti-Hazing Act, Pineda dismissed speculation of initiation rites, citing the coaching staff’s statements.

The absence of foul play does not rule out criminal liability, the National Bureau of Investigation stressed.

Honor Baterbonia

Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy said Ateneo can honor Baterbonia’s memory by ensuring that his siblings “are able to complete their education.”

The Commission on Higher Education has initiated its own probe into the incident, stressing that “no institution, official, or person responsible for student welfare is exempt from accountability.”

Malacañang said President Marcos wants an “immediate probe.”

Senators have filed resolutions seeking an inquiry into the incident.

Adili’s family has requested an autopsy before the repatriation of his remains, the Nigerian embassy in Manila said.

Baterbonia’s remains will be brought today to his family’s home in Agusan del Sur. – With Bella Cariaso, Emmanuel Tupas, Evelyn Macairan, Mark Ernest Villeza, Alexis Romero, Marc Jayson Cayabyab, Pia-Lee Brago