The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has barred all Ateneo de Manila University coaching staff members who were present during the June 8 incident in Dipaculao, Aurora from participating in league activities while multiple investigations into the tragedy remain ongoing.
In a statement released Friday, the UAAP Board of Trustees approved a recommendation from the Board of Managing Directors to prohibit the Ateneo personnel involved from taking part in any UAAP-related activity in any capacity, effective immediately.
The move comes as authorities, Ateneo’s independent fact-finding body, and the league continue separate investigations into the drowning deaths of Ateneo student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team activity in Aurora.
According to the UAAP, the suspension is a temporary measure aimed at protecting the integrity of the investigations and ensuring that all inquiries are conducted fairly and transparently.
“This preemptive measure, adopted even prior to the UAAP season, is intended to preserve the integrity of the ongoing inquiry and to ensure full transparency and due process as facts surrounding the incident are being carefully examined,” the league said.
The UAAP also directed Ateneo to submit the official findings of its investigation no later than July 15, 2026.
The league said it would wait for the results of the various probes before determining whether sanctions or disciplinary actions are warranted.
“Amidst differing and clashing perceptions on this tragic incident, the UAAP, as a collegial body, is committed to adhere to its own governing rules and processes, where the acts of a Member-University and personalities involved will be thoroughly evaluated by the other member schools before passing judgment,” the statement read.
The association emphasized that accountability would be based on the outcome of a comprehensive and impartial review.
“The UAAP reiterates that accountability shall be determined based on the results of a thorough and impartial investigation and its fidelity to its own rules and regulations. All those found responsible for any wrongdoing shall be held fully accountable under league regulations,” it added.
The league also expressed sympathy to the families and loved ones of the victims.
“Above all, the UAAP extends its deepest sympathies to the bereaved parties and calls for justice, truth, and dignity for those who lost their lives in the incident. Their memories will be honored with the commitment to further protect our student-athletes so that such tragedy will never happen again,” the UAAP said.
The deaths of Baterbonia and Adili have prompted separate investigations by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice, and Ateneo’s independent inquiry panel.
Former Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin and several team officials have also been placed under an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order as authorities continue their probe. (AC)
