Metro Manila, Philippines – The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has banned the coaching staff of Ateneo de Manila University present during the drowning of two athletes in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8 pending the investigations.
The UAAP Board of Trustees made the decision on Friday, June 19, based on the recommendation of the Board of Managing Directors, saying it 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.”
This means the coaches who were with former Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin during the tragedy that claimed the lives of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili are prohibited from participating in any UAAP-related activities effective immediately.
Baldwin appeared at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Camp Crame, Quezon City as part of the probe into the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili.
The UAAP has set July 15 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,” the league 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.
