DOLE 'subpoenas' Tab Baldwin after Ateneo players' drowning incident

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued a "subpoena" for Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) basketball head coach Tab Baldwin following the deaths of student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

“I just issued a subpoena. On Monday at 10 AM, I would want in my presence Coach Tab Baldwin of Ateneo,” said Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino in a press conference on Thursday.

"Coach Baldwin is employed in the Philippines, is subject to Philippine Labor Laws, DOLE will simply do its job verifying that he holds a valid alien employment permit (AEP) as required under Article 40 of the Labor Code... If he is compliant. there is nothing to fear. If he is not, then the Department will act accordingly. This is not about persecution but the rule of law," said Tolentino.

READ: Who is Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin?

An American-Kiwi coach, Baldwin has been with the Ateneo Blue Eagles program since 2016. He first arrived in the Philippines in 2013 to help the Gilas Pilipinas national team.

According to Toletino, Article 40 of the Labor Code authorizes the DOLE to "scrutinize the employment of all foreign nationals in the country."

"Kailangan pumunta sa harap ko si Coach Baldwin sa Lunes personally to show his valid and current AEP issued by this Department, authorizing him to issue as head coach of ADMU Men's Basketball Team," he said.

(Coach Baldwin needs to personally appear on Monday to show his valid and current AEP issued by this Department, authorizing him to issue as head coach of ADMU Men's Basketball Team.)

"Proof that the AEP covers the full scope of his coaching and supervisory activities, including off-campus training activities such as this team-building activity in Aurora," he added.

Team-building exercises

Baldwin was also directed to submit any documentation showing compliance to DOLE's reporting requirement and a written explanation on the circumstances surrounding the June 8, 2026 team-building exercises, including the nature of the activity, supervision arrangements, and safety protocols observed.

Tolentino warned Baldwin of possible cancellation of his employment permit should he refuse to appear or to be found without a valid AEP or with an AEP but not covering the full scope of his employment.

DOLE also said Baldwin may also be referred to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for appropriate immigration actions including deportation.

"Every agency has a role to play in getting to the truth of what happened in Aurora. DOLE's role is to ensure every person employed in this country -- Filipino or foreign -- are working lawfully and within the bounds of our Labor Laws. We will not waver in that responsiblity," he said.

"Pinapaabot po natin sa magulang ni Rene at sa Nigerian Embassy...ang aking taos-pusong pakikidalamhati. The families of deserve aswers and accountability," Tolentino added.

On leave

Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University announced that Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo have gone on leave as the university conducts an inquiry regarding the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili.

“To preserve the total integrity, independence, and fairness of this investigation — and to ensure all participants can cooperate freely without any actual or perceived pressure — Head coach Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin and Team Manager Christopher “Epok” Quimpo have gone on leave for the duration of the inquiry,” said in a statement signed by University president Fr Robert Yap SJ.

“The University is cooperating fully, transparently, and without reservation with all investigations being undertaken by national authorities and competent regulatory bodies.” —VAL, GMA News