Tab Baldwin attends vigil for Rene Baterbonia, Divine Adili

Ateneo Blue Eagles coach Tab Baldwin during a UAAP Season 88 second round matchup against La Salle.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin made his first public appearance since the tragic deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during an activity of the school’s men’s basketball team in Dipaculao, Aurora.

The embattled coach, along with members of the team, attended a prayer vigil for Baterbonia and Adili held inside the Ateneo campus based on pictures shared by the student publication, The Guidon.

His presence came shortly after the university placed Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo on leave while a fact-finding inquiry is set to be held.

Quimpo has yet to appear since the tragedy struck the Blue Eagles.

Prior to the vigil, Baldwin had not been seen nor heard in public since the incident amid public outcry.

Interviews of former Ateneo players recalling their experiences in “boot camp-style” activities in Aurora under Baldwin also went viral in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Baldwin was likewise absent when the team visited Baterbonia’s wake at Arlington Memorial Chapels in Quezon City.

Ateneo, however, said in a separate statement that it had asked Baldwin not to make any public comments while the investigation remains ongoing.