ATENEO has come to defense of beleaguered coach Tab Baldwin in the fallout of the tragedy which led to the passing of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
"The University wishes to clarify that Coach Tab Baldwin's silence following the tragedy was not a personal decision made independently of the University," the statement read.
"The University requested that Coach Baldwin refrain from making public statements to allow the official processes to proceed and the facts to be established before any public discussion of the matter."
Baldwin has been mum since the drowning incident that saw the death of his two players in the Blue Eagles last Monday.
He was also absent when the team paid a visit to Baterbonia's wake at Arlington Memorial Chapels in Quezon City on Wednesday.
READ: Coach Tab, team manager Epok go on leave as Ateneo starts 'fact-finding inquiry'
Baldwin, together with team manager Epok Quimpo, has gone on leave as the University begins its investigation on the accident.
"In the immediate aftermath of this heartbreaking loss, our guidance to Coach Baldwin was to focus his attention on the emotional and psychological welfare of the players, coaches, and staff affected by the incident, while also attending to his own well-being as someone who is grieving alongside the rest of the community," the statement furthered.
"At a time when our priority was caring for those most directly affected, we believed it was neither appropriate nor helpful to ask Coach Baldwin to engage in public commentary while the community was mourning and while the circumstances surrounding the incident were still being examined."
"His silence should therefore not be misconstrued as indifference or a lack of concern. Rather, it reflects the University's decision to place care, healing, and due process ahead of public discussion."
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