THE University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) imposed strict sanctions yesterday on the Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball team, officially banning all members of its coaching staff from league-related activities.
The restriction will remain in effect until investigations into the tragic drowning deaths of student‑athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili have been fully completed and resolved. This decisive action marks the league’s first major move in response to the incident, which occurred during an off‑campus team activity earlier this month in Dipaculao, Aurora.
In an official statement, the UAAP explained that the ban is a preemptive measure adopted even before the start of the new season. 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.”
The league emphasized that the measure is not a judgment of guilt, but a necessary step to guarantee that all involved parties cooperate fully and that no influence or interference could compromise the gathering of facts and the determination of what truly happened.
The scope of the order covers all activities organized, sanctioned, or recognized by the UAAP. The affected coaching staff members are prohibited from participating in any capacity — whether as coaches, consultants, officials, or support personnel — in practices, games, seminars, meetings, or any other event connected to the league. This restriction applies to every member of the coaching group, including former head coach Tab Baldwin and other officials who have since resigned or stepped down from their posts following the tragedy.
Meanwhile, the parallel government inquiry continues to move forward. Baldwin, who stepped down from his position shortly after the incident, appeared yesterday before the Philippine National Police‑Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP‑CIDG) to give his official statement regarding the events of June 8.
His appearance follows that of other team officials and players who have already been interviewed by authorities as part of the criminal and administrative probes. Both the UAAP and law enforcement agencies are proceeding carefully to establish the sequence of events, identify lapses in safety protocols, and determine accountability for the loss of the two young athletes.
