UAAP bars coaches present during Ateneo camp tragedy

FILE– Former Ateneo Blue Eagles coach Tab Baldwin during a UAAP Season 88 second round matchup against La Salle.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—The UAAP has barred Ateneo’s coaching staff who were present during the June 8 tragedy in Dipaculao, Aurora, from participating in league activities while investigations are ongoing, the league said Friday.

The decision, approved by the UAAP Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the Board of Managing Directors, takes effect immediately and will remain in force pending the outcome of multiple investigations into the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

READ: UAAP won’t rush action with probes ongoing after Ateneo deaths

“As such, they are prohibited from participating in any UAAP-related activities, in any capacity, effective immediately and while these investigations are being conducted,” the league also said.

While investigations are ongoing, several Ateneo officials and players have appeared before government agencies and legislative bodies looking into the incident.

Most recently, former Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin appeared before the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on Friday. Baldwin had stepped down as head coach earlier this week.

The UAAP has also given Ateneo until July 15 to submit the official results of its independent investigation.

The league stressed that any determination of accountability would be based on the findings of the ongoing investigations.

“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,” the statement read.