Romwel Anzures

TNT Tropang 5G assistant and former Ateneo de Manila University deputy Sandy Arespacochaga. File photo/PBA Images.

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ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781106779270IMG_1153.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:center">TNT Tropang 5G assistant and former Ateneo de Manila University deputy Sandy Arespacochaga. <em>File photo/PBA Images.</em></span></span></span>MANILA — While emotions remain high following the tragic deaths of Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia, former longtime Ateneo de Manila University deputy coach Sandy Arespacochaga urged the public to refrain from directing threats at the players.</div><p>“It doesn’t help na with all that’s happening, ‘wag na po sana mag-threat sa mga players,” said Arespacochaga, also an assistant coach for TNT Tropang 5G in the PBA.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/6/10/pba-heading-sizzles-as-tnt-clamps-ginebra-to-level-series-2229"><strong>READ: Heading sizzles as TNT edges Ginebra to level series</strong></a></div><p>Arespacochaga was not part of Ateneo’s delegation during the team-building activity in Aurora, having stepped away from the Blue Eagles coaching staff as he was previously appointed as the head coach of Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Under-18. </p><p>Still, he said he understands the difficult situation the players are facing.</p><p>“I understand the players, what they’re going through. Mabigat talaga,” the soft-spoken coach said.</p><p>Arespacochaga also noted that conflicting information surrounding the incident has added to the confusion, particularly among those trying to make sense of what happened.</p><p>“I think a lot of people are confused with the information. You can’t deny that. So hopefully, medyo magka-light na with what happened,” he said. “Hopefully, things will be clearer. That’s very important.”</p><p>“Mahirap eh. Lahat nagsasabi ng this, that, nag-e-evolve na, nagmu-mutate na. Pero wala namang itatago, at wala namang dapat itago,” he added.</p><p>Arespacochaga joined the Ateneo players in visiting the wake of Baterbonia before attending to his duties with TNT Tropang 5G in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner&#x27;s Cup Finals.<strong></strong><strong></strong></p><div><strong>Getting in touch with Coach Tab</strong></div><div><strong>WATCH: <span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZfcSVuU0Dpg?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong></div><p>Meanwhile, Arespacochaga shared that he has already spoken with former Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin and members of the Blue Eagles coaching staff, though their conversations largely centered on grieving and supporting one another.</p><p>“I was able to talk with Coach Tab and the coaches when they arrived,” he said. “But sometimes, aside from talking, the best thing, of course, is just being there. Ang hirap, kasi lahat iyak-dasal.”</p><p>“I’m helping out in whatever way I can. These are my fellow coaches, these are my players,” Arespacochaga added.</p><p>However, Baldwin — of all people — has not been heard from or seen in public since the incident.</p><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:<span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O5pwjuXy0uk?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong></div>

<p>“It doesn’t help na with all that’s happening, ‘wag na po sana mag-threat sa mga players,” said Arespacochaga, also an assistant coach for TNT Tropang 5G in the PBA.</p>

“It doesn’t help na with all that’s happening, ‘wag na po sana mag-threat sa mga players,” said Arespacochaga, also an assistant coach for TNT Tropang 5G in the PBA.

Ex-Ateneo deputy Arespacochaga calls for end to threats against players

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Ex-Ateneo deputy Arespacochaga calls for end to threats against players

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 11, 2026 12:00 AM PHT

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Updated June 11, 2026 10:03 AM PHT

Read More:

Basketball

ABSSports

Divine Adili

Rene Baterbonia

Ateneo de Manila University

Ateneo Blue Eagles

Tab Baldwin

Ateneo

PBA

TNT

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