“As with all of the sports programs we support, the MVPSF’s role is limited to providing funding,” MVPSF president Alfredo "Al" Panlilio said in a statement on Tuesday.
“The foundation does not own or manage the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team. It does not run the team’s programs’ and athletes’ management, coaching, recruitment, and player development,” he added.
Probe widens after resignations
The statement came after the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group disclosed plans to subpoena Smart Communications officials as part of its investigation into the tragedy, even as Ateneo accepted the resignations of head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo amid multiple probes into the incident.
The development has shifted attention to who exercised authority over the program and supervised the activities that preceded the fatal trip.
Quimpo answered to Ateneo
The foundation also addressed the role of Quimpo, who is employed by Smart Communications but has long been associated with the Ateneo program.
Panlilio said Quimpo served the team “in his own personal capacity” as an Ateneo alumnus and former player who was invited by the university to become team manager.
“In that engagement, he has always been under the authority and direction of the University and its officials,” Panlilio said.
The foundation said it stands with the families of Adili and Baterbonia and remains committed to “working to surface all truths behind this tragedy” while continuing its support for Filipino athletes.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
