Kiwi coaches facing homicide charges over Manila drownings
Philippine authorities are considering charging Kiwi basketball coaches Tab Baldwin and Grant Dearns relating to two drownings.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles basketball team were on a conditioning exercise in June near the shoreline, but strong waves swept several of them into deeper water. Some were rescued, but Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili lost their lives.
Baldwin, a former Tall Blacks coach who led the Eagles to several championships, was put on leave before he resigned as an investigation was launched into what happened.
Filipino state media (PNA) reported charges of homicide and reckless imprudence resulting in homicide had been recommended by justice officials against Baldwin and former Moana Pasifika strength and conditioning coach Dearns, also at the Blue Eagles.
"The complaints have been referred to the [Department of Justice] for evaluation and appropriate action in accordance with existing legal procedures," Philippine National Police said in a post on social media, saying there had been a "significant development in the investigation".
"In every case involving the loss of life, it is our duty to ensure that the truth is brought to light through due process of law," police said.
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"We will not stop until we have delivered the best possible investigation that the victims' families deserve. We understand the gravity of what they are going through."
The statement went on to say police would act with integrity to deliver "justice in due time".
Baldwin coached the Tall Blacks from 2001 to 2006 and was in charge when they placed fourth at the 2002 world championships. He is in the New Zealand Basketball Hall of Fame.
He formerly coached the Philippines national side and led the Blue Eagles to four championship wins in the university basketball league.
Ateneo de Manila University president Father Roberto Yap told a press conference two weeks ago that Baldwin had resigned.
"We thank him for the years of service to the Blue Eagles but as we enter a period of deep institutional review, a change in leadership is necessary to ensure the full integrity of our sports programs and safety protocols governing them," Father Yap said.
"We must look inward, examine our systems and rebuild the structures for athletic programs so that our fields and playing courts remain places where dreams are nurtured, not broken."
'To the depth of my being, I'm sorry' – Baldwin
In June, Baldwin apologised to the families of the two students in a video message.
"As a coach, I'm entrusted by you, the parents and the families, with first and foremost their well-being. And in this, I feel I've failed. And I'm sorry. To the depth of my being, I'm sorry."
Stuff reported it was believed Dearns had since returned to New Zealand, while Baldwin remained in the Philippines.
Criminal investigator director Major General Robert Alexander Morico said he was confident investigators had an "airtight" case. He said officials had conducted an "exhaustive investigation".
PNA said lead investigator Morico had personally met the family of student athlete Rene Baterbonia. PNA said the details of the investigation were fully explained on Tuesday (local time).
Investigators met Baterbonia's parents Rene Sr and Rovelyn, and their eldest son Ruveyan, who were accompanied by their two female legal counsels.
PNA quoted Morico as saying the meeting was for two purposes – to inform them of the results of the investigation and to assure them that if the case goes to trial, investigators would "continuously follow up this case".
Others also charged, according to Filipino reporting, were strength and conditioning coach Caesar Vincent Elumba; assistant coaches Dean Caesar Castaño, Sandro Nicholas Soriano, and Reynaldo Jacinto Jr; student managers Paolo Manuel Adevoso and Andrew Lorenzo Salud; physical therapist John Eric Rueca; and utility workers/ball boys Aris Pronce and Joel Rapa.