MANILA – The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Board has released its decision following investigations into the deaths of Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia.
Adili and Baterbonia died due to drowning in a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora last June 8.
In a statement on Friday, the Board said it has perpetually banned former Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin "from all UAAP competitions and related activities, in any coaching, administrative, advisory, or official capacity."
Baldwin is also prohibited from entering any competition venue of the UAAP.
The UAAP Board's decision on Baldwin is "final and shall not be appealable."
Resigned Ateneo team manager Epok Quimpo, assistant coaches Dean Castaño, Sandro Soriano, Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., Hernan Ameer Domingo, Caesar Vincent "CJ" Elumba, and Grant Dearns, as well as physical therapist John Eric Rueca are suspended from participation in all UAAP competitions and related activities.
Their suspension will last until further determination by the UAAP Board.
Similar to Baldwin, the concerned coaching staff are likewise not allowed to enter UAAP competition venues in an official capacity.
This sanction may be appealed to the UAAP Board in accordance with its applicable rules and procedures.
BLUE EAGLES ELIGIBLE TO PLAY
Following its administrative review, the UAAP board recognized that the Ateneo Blue Eagles are "themselves victims of this tragedy."
The UAAP Board noted the findings from various investigations of government agencies did not recommend to hold the student-athletes liable for the deaths of Adili and Baterbonia.
"In light of these findings, the Ateneo Men's Basketball Team shall remain eligible to compete in UAAP Season 89, taking into consideration the expressed desire of these student-athletes to honor the memories of their fallen teammates through competition," it said.
"However, as a precondition for their continued participation in the UAAP, the Board has required Ateneo de Manila University to undertake a comprehensive reassessment of the organizational structure and management of its men’s basketball team in relation to the University’s entire athletics program in order to strengthen student-athlete protection, welfare, accountability, and institutional oversight," the Board added.
The UAAP said the approach in imposing these sanctions is "protective and restorative."
"It is intended to ensure accountability, strengthen safeguards for the welfare and best interests of all student-athletes, address the harm caused by this incident, and reinforce the lessons learned to foster a safer and more responsible environment across the league," the Board said.
"The UAAP again extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Rene Clert Baterbonia and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili. Their passing is an immeasurable loss to the community," it added.
ATENEO WELCOMES DECISION
Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University welcomed the decision of the UAAP Board to allow the team to participate in the upcoming season.
"We are grateful that our student-athletes will once again have the opportunity to represent the University in the UAAP. For our players, this is more than a return to competition. It is an important step forward in their continuing journey of healing as a team and as young men who continue to grieve the loss of their brothers, Divine Adili and Rene Clert "Bobet" Baterbonia," it said.
"Divine and Rene will remain with them every time they put on the Ateneo jersey and take it to the court. The Blue Eagles have always been more than a basketball team. They are brothers, bound by their shared love of the game and by the trust, sacrifice, and care they have for one another," the statement further wrote.
The University likewise acknowledged the other decisions of the UAAP Board and respect the sanctions that have been imposed on concerned individuals.
"The University remains steadfast in strengthening its policies, systems, and safeguards to better protect the safety and well-being of our student-athletes and support their holistic formation. We will continue to learn from what has happened and undertake the measures necessary to live up to the responsibility and trust placed in us," it shared.
"Even as our team returns to the court, we do so knowing that the loss of Divine and Rene will always be part of our story. We remember them with gratitude, continue to pray for their families and loved ones, and entrust them to God's loving embrace. As the Blue Eagles begin a new season, they carry with them not only the hopes of the Ateneo community, but also the enduring bond of a brotherhood strengthened by love, tested by loss and sustained by the memory of those who will always be part of them," Ateneo added.