TWO MORE BLUE EAGLES SURVIVE; BALDWIN'S WIFE CLAIMS ATENEO IGNORED WARNINGS

Two more Ateneo Blue Eagles players reportedly survived the Aurora tragedy that claimed the lives of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, a revelation that comes as Efi Baldwin publicly alleges that Ateneo ignored repeated warnings she raised regarding the safety and welfare of children under the supervision of her husband, longtime Blue Eagles coach Tab Baldwin.

According to reports citing sources familiar with the incident, Ateneo guard Kyle Gamber and incoming Blue Eagles recruit Kieffer Alas were among those rescued during the June 8 team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora. The disclosure suggests that four members of the basketball program were involved in the incident, with Baterbonia and Adili ultimately losing their lives.

The revelation has added a new dimension to ongoing efforts to determine exactly what transpired during the outing, which has already prompted investigations by law enforcement agencies and Ateneo’s own fact-finding body.

At the same time, a separate controversy has emerged following statements made by Efi Baldwin, the wife of Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin.

In a video statement that has since circulated online, Efi Baldwin claimed she had repeatedly warned Ateneo officials about concerns involving the welfare and safety of children under the supervision of her husband. She alleged that university officials failed to act despite multiple warnings.

“I repeatedly told the Ateneo University that children are not safe around him and it was their duty to remove him,” she said.

Efi Baldwin further alleged that instead of addressing her concerns, efforts were made to discredit, intimidate, and silence her. The statements have sparked widespread discussion within the Ateneo community and on social media, particularly as the university faces increasing scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding the Aurora tragedy.

While Efi Baldwin’s allegations are separate from the drowning incident and remain her personal claims, they have fueled broader conversations about accountability, oversight, and the responsibility of institutions to address concerns involving the welfare of students and young athletes.

Meanwhile, Tab Baldwin has publicly expressed remorse over the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili. In an interview with ESPN, the veteran coach acknowledged the profound loss suffered by the victims’ families, teammates, and the Ateneo community, saying the tragedy is something he will carry with him for the rest of his life.

The deaths of Baterbonia and Adili have prompted calls for transparency and a full accounting of the events leading up to the fatal incident. Family members, alumni, and members of the Ateneo community have continued to seek answers as investigations move forward.

The Aurora Police Provincial Office earlier stated that initial findings pointed to an accidental drowning and that no evidence of foul play had been established based on witness accounts and statements gathered from those present. However, separate investigations by the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation, and Ateneo’s independent fact-finding body remain ongoing.

As new details continue to emerge, public attention is increasingly focused not only on how two young athletes lost their lives in Aurora, but also on whether warning signs and concerns involving student welfare were adequately addressed before tragedy struck.