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UAAP Suspends Ateneo Staff Linked To Aurora Tragedy
FILE
The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has temporarily barred members of the Ateneo de Manila University coaching staff who were present during the June 8 tragedy in Dipaculao, Aurora, while several investigations into the incident continue.
In a statement, the UAAP Board of Trustees approved the recommendation of its Board of Managing Directors to prohibit the concerned personnel from participating in any UAAP-related activities in any capacity. The suspension takes effect immediately and will remain in place pending the outcome of investigations being conducted by government agencies, Ateneo’s independent fact-finding body, and the league itself.
The move comes nearly two weeks after the deaths of Ateneo basketball players Rene Baterbonia, 19, and Divine Adili, 21, during a team-building activity in Aurora. The tragedy sent shockwaves across the Philippine sports community and prompted calls for accountability and transparency.
According to the UAAP, the temporary ban was imposed to protect the integrity of the ongoing inquiries and ensure due process while authorities determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The league also announced that Ateneo has until July 15, 2026, to submit the official findings of its internal investigation.
Amid differing accounts and public debate surrounding the tragedy, the UAAP said it would follow its own rules and processes before arriving at any judgment. The league stressed that the actions of those involved would be thoroughly reviewed by the member schools.
Separate investigations are likewise underway. The Department of Justice earlier ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a comprehensive and impartial probe to determine whether criminal liability may exist.
Initial findings from Police Regional Office 3 indicated that the victims were carried into deeper waters by strong currents while swimming. Authorities initially found no evidence of foul play, although investigators emphasized that the case remains under review.
Ateneo has maintained that no weights were used during the conditioning exercise and said the team encountered massive waves and powerful rip currents while conducting activities in knee-deep water near the shoreline. The university earlier placed head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo on leave and vowed full cooperation with authorities.
Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has continued interviewing players, coaches, and former members of the program as investigators piece together the events that led to the tragedy.
The deaths of Baterbonia, an incoming rookie from Davao, and Adili, who suited up for the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 88, have left the Ateneo community and the collegiate sports scene in mourning.
As investigations continue, the UAAP’s decision signals a stronger effort by the league to uphold accountability while awaiting the findings of official inquiries.
In a statement, the UAAP Board of Trustees approved the recommendation of its Board of Managing Directors to prohibit the concerned personnel from participating in any UAAP-related activities in any capacity. The suspension takes effect immediately and will remain in place pending the outcome of investigations being conducted by government agencies, Ateneo’s independent fact-finding body, and the league itself.
The move comes nearly two weeks after the deaths of Ateneo basketball players Rene Baterbonia, 19, and Divine Adili, 21, during a team-building activity in Aurora. The tragedy sent shockwaves across the Philippine sports community and prompted calls for accountability and transparency.
According to the UAAP, the temporary ban was imposed to protect the integrity of the ongoing inquiries and ensure due process while authorities determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The league also announced that Ateneo has until July 15, 2026, to submit the official findings of its internal investigation.
Amid differing accounts and public debate surrounding the tragedy, the UAAP said it would follow its own rules and processes before arriving at any judgment. The league stressed that the actions of those involved would be thoroughly reviewed by the member schools.
Separate investigations are likewise underway. The Department of Justice earlier ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a comprehensive and impartial probe to determine whether criminal liability may exist.
Initial findings from Police Regional Office 3 indicated that the victims were carried into deeper waters by strong currents while swimming. Authorities initially found no evidence of foul play, although investigators emphasized that the case remains under review.
Ateneo has maintained that no weights were used during the conditioning exercise and said the team encountered massive waves and powerful rip currents while conducting activities in knee-deep water near the shoreline. The university earlier placed head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo on leave and vowed full cooperation with authorities.
Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has continued interviewing players, coaches, and former members of the program as investigators piece together the events that led to the tragedy.
The deaths of Baterbonia, an incoming rookie from Davao, and Adili, who suited up for the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 88, have left the Ateneo community and the collegiate sports scene in mourning.
As investigations continue, the UAAP’s decision signals a stronger effort by the league to uphold accountability while awaiting the findings of official inquiries.
Jun 19, 2026
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