Baterbonia family demands answers, not apology

The family of the late Rene Baterbonia wants more than just an apology from Ateneo in response to head coach Tab Baldwin's statement regarding the tragic drowning of two Blue Eagles last Monday at a beach resort in Dipaculao, Aurora.

- By JOHN BRYAN ULANDAY

"Apologies cannot make up for the death of my son," said Rovelyn Baterbonia yesterday in a translated message posted on her social media account.

Baterbonia's mother insisted that four days after the passing of Rene, 18, and Nigerian Divine Adili, 21, Baldwin and Ateneo had allegedly not explained to their families what really transpired during a "teambuilding activity" in Dipaculao.

"Just so you know, what I want is for you to say (explain) what really happened. Why are you saying that what happened to my child was just an accident?" she said.

"Let's say it was an accident, but you did not update me about what had happened. You already posted on social media that my child had died, but you still had not sent me a picture or proof confirming that my child was really dead," she added.

Baldwin, in a recorded statement lasting more than eight minutes, earlier apologized for failing in his role as leader during the tragedy.

"I'm sorry. To the depth of my being, I'm sorry," said Baldwin.

However, the coach came under renewed scrutiny after a video allegedly showing his ex-wife Efi Kalogirou surfaced online, in which she made claims about their past relationship and raised concerns about Baldwin's behavior.