UAAP bars Ateneo coaching staff from league activities amid probe

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has barred members of the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles men’s basketball coaching staff who were present during the June 8 drowning incident in Aurora, as investigations into the deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili continue.

In a statement released Friday, June 19, the UAAP said the decision came from its Board of Trustees based on the recommendation of the Board of Managing Directors.

The league said the affected personnel are “prohibited from participating in any UAAP-related activities, in any capacity, effective immediately and while these investigations are being conducted.”

READ: VIDEO: Tab Baldwin arrives at CIDG for Ateneo drowning probe

The UAAP did not identify which members of the former Ateneo coaching staff under then-head coach Tab Baldwin were covered by the directive.

‘Pre-emptive measure’

“This preemptive measure, adopted even prior to the UAAP season, 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 said.

It added that, amid differing views on the incident, the UAAP “is committed to adhere to its own governing rules and processes where the acts of a Member-University and personalities involved will be thoroughly evaluated by the other member schools before passing judgment.”

Ultimatum for Ateneo

The league also set a July 15 deadline for Ateneo to submit its official findings on the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili.

“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,” it said.

READ: Kieffer Alas shows up at PNP-CIDG HQ amid Ateneo drowning probe

Meanwhile, reports said that members of the Blue Eagles program, including Baldwin and several staff, have already appeared before the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) as part of the ongoing probe.

Baldwin, along with team manager Christopher Quimpo and assistant coaches Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., Dean Castaño, and Sandro Soriano, have also reportedly been issued Immigration Lookout Bulletin Orders by the Bureau of Immigration Philippines.

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