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Advocates Philippines
DOJ Issues Lookout Order Against Tab Baldwin, Others In Ateneo Tragedy Probe
Screengrab from Ateneo de Manila IG
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against former Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin and several other individuals in connection with the deaths of basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed that the lookout order covers Baldwin, team manager Christopher Quimpo, Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., Dean Castaño, and Sandro Soriano as authorities continue to investigate the June 8 tragedy.
The ILBO does not prohibit those named from leaving the country. Instead, it allows immigration authorities to monitor and immediately notify the DOJ if any of them attempt to travel abroad while the investigation is ongoing.
The deaths of Baterbonia and Nigerian student-athlete Divine Adili shocked the basketball community and prompted calls for a thorough probe. Both players drowned during a team-building activity held at a resort in Dipaculao.
Following the incident, the DOJ ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to form a special task force to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation and determine whether criminal charges should be filed.
Lawyer Israelito Torreon, representing the family of Baterbonia, had earlier requested the issuance of a lookout order, saying the move was intended to ensure that all persons involved would remain available while authorities complete their investigation.
Police initially said there was no evidence of foul play and described the incident as an accident after the players were reportedly swept away by strong currents. However, investigators stressed that the absence of foul play does not automatically rule out possible criminal negligence.
Authorities also found that the team activity took place several hundred meters from the shoreline despite warnings about sea conditions. The resort where the activity was held has since been temporarily closed over alleged violations of local safety regulations.
Baldwin and Quimpo have taken a leave of absence while Ateneo conducts its own fact-finding inquiry. The Commission on Higher Education, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the Senate have also launched separate investigations into the tragedy.
Baterbonia, a standout from Ateneo de Davao and a recent Palarong Pambansa Most Valuable Player, was set to begin his collegiate career with the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 89. Adili, meanwhile, had already suited up for Ateneo during Season 88.
The DOJ said it remains committed to establishing the facts surrounding the deaths of the two student-athletes and ensuring that justice is served.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed that the lookout order covers Baldwin, team manager Christopher Quimpo, Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., Dean Castaño, and Sandro Soriano as authorities continue to investigate the June 8 tragedy.
The ILBO does not prohibit those named from leaving the country. Instead, it allows immigration authorities to monitor and immediately notify the DOJ if any of them attempt to travel abroad while the investigation is ongoing.
The deaths of Baterbonia and Nigerian student-athlete Divine Adili shocked the basketball community and prompted calls for a thorough probe. Both players drowned during a team-building activity held at a resort in Dipaculao.
Following the incident, the DOJ ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to form a special task force to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation and determine whether criminal charges should be filed.
Lawyer Israelito Torreon, representing the family of Baterbonia, had earlier requested the issuance of a lookout order, saying the move was intended to ensure that all persons involved would remain available while authorities complete their investigation.
Police initially said there was no evidence of foul play and described the incident as an accident after the players were reportedly swept away by strong currents. However, investigators stressed that the absence of foul play does not automatically rule out possible criminal negligence.
Authorities also found that the team activity took place several hundred meters from the shoreline despite warnings about sea conditions. The resort where the activity was held has since been temporarily closed over alleged violations of local safety regulations.
Baldwin and Quimpo have taken a leave of absence while Ateneo conducts its own fact-finding inquiry. The Commission on Higher Education, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the Senate have also launched separate investigations into the tragedy.
Baterbonia, a standout from Ateneo de Davao and a recent Palarong Pambansa Most Valuable Player, was set to begin his collegiate career with the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 89. Adili, meanwhile, had already suited up for Ateneo during Season 88.
The DOJ said it remains committed to establishing the facts surrounding the deaths of the two student-athletes and ensuring that justice is served.
Jun 17, 2026
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