PHILIPPINE Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Pato Gregorio on Thursday spoke out against Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin's continued silence in the wake of the Aurora training camp tragedy that claimed the lives of two of his players.
The American-New Zealander has not made a public appearance nor released a statement since incoming rookie Rene Baterbonia and Nigerian Divine Adili drowned in the course of the Blue Eagles' training camp in Dipaculao, Aurora.
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“Where is Tab Baldwin? Why is he still not speaking up?" Gregorio, a former PBA chairman, said a day after leading an inter-agency panel looking into the controversy that included representatives from the UAAP, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
"This is beyond Ateneo. This is a national concern. Out of respect for the family and the Filipino people, he has to come forward," said Gregorio.
On Wednesday, the whole team including some members of the coaching staff went to Arlington to pay their final respect to Baterbonia and condole with the family. Baldwin was not part of that Ateneo delegation.
However, sources bared that Baldwin has been trying to reach out to the families of the two victims through 'intermediaries,' but has been advised against it amid what is being described as 'threats.'
A Baldwin press conference is also "on hold," a source added.
Amid the silence from the former Gilas Pilipinas coach, Baldwin has become the target of fans online.
"He has been here for 10 years. I don't understand why he can't understand our culture - konting respeto at pakikipagkapwa naman," Gregorio said.
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