The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has banned all coaching staff members of the Ateneo de Manila University Men’s Basketball Team who attended a recent team-building trip in Dipaculao, Aurora, which resulted in the drowning deaths of Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia.
The league announced the immediate suspension on Friday, noting that the restriction will remain active until official investigations into the June 8 tragedy are concluded.
”The Board of Trustees of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines has approved the recommendation of the Board of Managing Directors to bar from the UAAP all the coaching staff of the Ateneo de Manila University who were present during the June 8 incident in Dipaculao, Aurora, pending the outcome of the investigations of the concerned government agencies, Ateneo’s independent fact-finding inquiry, and the League’s own investigation,” the league said.
Under the swift directive, the affected coaches are prohibited from joining any league operations or events.
”As such, they are prohibited from participating in any UAAP-related activities, in any capacity, effective immediately and while these investigations are being conducted,” it added.
UAAP officials described the suspension as a “preemptive measure” enacted ahead of UAAP Season 89. They emphasized that the decision was made to safeguard the credibility of the active probes, ensuring transparency and proper legal due process.
As part of the ongoing proceedings, the UAAP has ordered Ateneo de Manila University to turn over its official internal investigation findings by July 15.
Ateneo administration previously stated that its independent fact-finding committee would require at least two weeks to properly complete the inquiry.
The suspension follows major leadership changes within the Blue Eagles program. On Monday, the university announced it had accepted the formal resignations of head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo.