The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) against members of the Ateneo men’s basketball coaching staff in connection with the investigation into the drowning deaths of two student-athletes in Aurora province earlier this month.
DOJ Secretary Frederick Vida confirmed on Wednesday, June 17, that the ILBO covers former head coach Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin, former team manager Christopher Quimpo, and assistant coaches Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., Dean Castaño, and Sandro Soriano.
The measure follows the June 8 drowning incident in Dipaculao, Aurora, where student-players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili died during a team-building activity.
Vida clarified that the ILBO is a preventive monitoring tool and does not constitute a travel restriction or a determination of liability.
“Let me emphasize that an ILBO is a monitoring mechanism. It is intended to alert authorities should the subjects attempt to travel abroad while the investigation is ongoing,” Vida said.
He added that the order is meant to ensure that individuals under investigation are accounted for while authorities continue gathering evidence.
“It is not by itself a restriction on travel nor a finding of liability. The investigation remains ongoing, and the department stands ready to undertake its mandate once a complaint is formally filed,” he said.
Vida also urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow investigators to complete their work.
He said law enforcement agencies are still assessing evidence surrounding the incident.
The issuance of the ILBO comes as Baldwin and Quimpo have both stepped down from their posts amid the ongoing investigation into the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili.
Authorities earlier reported that the two athletes drowned while swimming and were swept by strong currents during the team activity.
Photo courtesy of Philippine Star
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