Quezon city: Head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo have stepped down from their roles in the Ateneo De Manila University men's basketball team following a drowning incident that led to the death of two players, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. Fr. Bobby Yap, the university's president, announced the development on Monday, exactly a week after the tragedy during a team-building event along the coast of Dipaculao, Aurora.

According to Philippines News Agency, Fr. Bobby Yap expressed gratitude for Baldwin and Quimpo's years of service to the Blue Eagles. He emphasized the need for a leadership change to ensure the integrity of sports programs and safety protocols. Yap stated that the university must examine its systems and rebuild athletic program structures to foster a nurturing environment for athletes.

Yap also extended an apology to the families of the deceased players, acknowledging the community's profound grief. He conveyed his condolences, recognizing the families' pain and anger as natural and justified, and expressed sincere regret on behalf of the university.

Addressing claims about delayed notification to the Baterbonia family, Yap clarified that the family was informed promptly on the night of the incident, though he did not provide further details on the conversation.

The university has not yet decided whether to participate in the upcoming University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season, which begins on September 12. Yap indicated that the decision is still pending.

Baldwin joined Ateneo in 2016 and led the team to four UAAP titles, including a three-peat from 2017 to 2019, and two Philippine Collegiate Champions League national titles in 2018 and 2019. Quimpo, a member of the 2002 men's basketball team, played a pivotal role in ending a 14-year wait for a UAAP title before transitioning to a career in corporate and team management.