Ateneo coaching staff at ill-fated training camp barred from UAAP
MANILA, Philippines — The UAAP has barred the coaching staff of the Ateneo Blue Eagles who were present during the deadly June 8 incident in Dipaculao, Aurora, the league said Friday.
Student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili died during a team-building activity in Aurora.
The UAAP, in a statement, said that they will be barred from participating in UAAP-related activities, in any capacity, pending the outcome of the investigations of the concerned government agencies.
“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 UAAP said.
The incident has led to the resignations of head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo.
Authorities have also been brought in to investigate.
Aside from the prohibition to the staff, the UAAP has set July 15, 2026 as the deadline for the submission of the official findings of Ateneo regarding the incident.
“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,” it said.
“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.
“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.”
For now, Ateneo’s fate in the upcoming UAAP Season 89 is still undetermined.
Baterbonia was just 18 and Adili was 21 at the time of their deaths.
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