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UAAP Vows Accountability After Athletes' Tragic Deaths
FILE
The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has pledged to pursue accountability and strengthen athlete safety measures following the tragic deaths of Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8, 2026.
In a statement, the league expressed its continued grief over the incident and extended its condolences to the families, teammates, coaches, friends, and the entire Ateneo community.
The UAAP said it remains in solidarity with those mourning the loss of the two student-athletes and is committed to honoring their memory.
The league reiterated that it will take into consideration the findings of ongoing investigations being conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Ateneo de Manila University.
According to the UAAP, only limited details surrounding the incident have been officially confirmed so far. However, it is closely monitoring developments and reviewing information as it becomes available.
Once the investigations are completed, the findings will be referred to the UAAP Rules and Disciplinary Committee for a full and fair review. The committee is composed of representatives from the league’s seven other member schools.
The UAAP emphasized that the safety, well-being, and holistic development of student-athletes remain central to its mission. It also said the tragedy serves as an opportunity for member schools to reassess and improve existing safeguards designed to protect athletes both on and off the field.
The league assured the public that it will enforce sanctions in cases where violations of established protocols, laws, and regulations are found, provided these are determined through due process and in accordance with existing governance and disciplinary procedures.
It also committed to reviewing and, if necessary, revising current policies to strengthen accountability, improve student welfare, and uphold higher safety standards.
In addition, the UAAP said it will continue promoting access to protective measures, mental health resources, and support services for student-athletes, coaches, and staff, while maintaining programs that encourage camaraderie and community well-being.
“This difficult moment has reminded us that the care and protection of our student athletes are paramount,” the UAAP said.
The league added that it remains committed to fostering a sporting environment built on safety, respect, accountability, and genuine concern for every member of the UAAP community.
In a statement, the league expressed its continued grief over the incident and extended its condolences to the families, teammates, coaches, friends, and the entire Ateneo community.
The UAAP said it remains in solidarity with those mourning the loss of the two student-athletes and is committed to honoring their memory.
The league reiterated that it will take into consideration the findings of ongoing investigations being conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Ateneo de Manila University.
According to the UAAP, only limited details surrounding the incident have been officially confirmed so far. However, it is closely monitoring developments and reviewing information as it becomes available.
Once the investigations are completed, the findings will be referred to the UAAP Rules and Disciplinary Committee for a full and fair review. The committee is composed of representatives from the league’s seven other member schools.
The UAAP emphasized that the safety, well-being, and holistic development of student-athletes remain central to its mission. It also said the tragedy serves as an opportunity for member schools to reassess and improve existing safeguards designed to protect athletes both on and off the field.
The league assured the public that it will enforce sanctions in cases where violations of established protocols, laws, and regulations are found, provided these are determined through due process and in accordance with existing governance and disciplinary procedures.
It also committed to reviewing and, if necessary, revising current policies to strengthen accountability, improve student welfare, and uphold higher safety standards.
In addition, the UAAP said it will continue promoting access to protective measures, mental health resources, and support services for student-athletes, coaches, and staff, while maintaining programs that encourage camaraderie and community well-being.
“This difficult moment has reminded us that the care and protection of our student athletes are paramount,” the UAAP said.
The league added that it remains committed to fostering a sporting environment built on safety, respect, accountability, and genuine concern for every member of the UAAP community.
Jun 14, 2026
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