UAAP Bans Baldwin; Ateneo Remains Eligible for Season 89

The UAAP has perpetually banned former Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin from all league competitions and related activities following its review of the June 8 team-building tragedy in Dipaculao, Aurora that resulted in the deaths of Ateneo student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili.

The league announced its decision on Friday after considering Ateneo de Manila University’s internal investigation as well as the publicized official reports of the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

According to the UAAP, Ateneo representatives recused themselves from the Board’s final deliberations and decision-making.

Baldwin is permanently prohibited from participating in UAAP competitions and related activities in any coaching, administrative, advisory or official capacity. He is also prohibited from entering UAAP competition venues.

The UAAP said Baldwin’s sanction is final and cannot be appealed.

Several other members of the Ateneo men’s basketball program have also been suspended from UAAP participation until further determination by the league.

Team manager Christopher John Quimpo, assistant coaches Dean Caesar Castaño, Sandro Nicholas Romero Soriano, Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., Hernan Ameer Domingo, Caesar Vincent Javellana Elumba and Grant Dearns, along with physical therapist John Eric Rueca, will not be permitted to participate in league competitions or related activities in any official capacity during their suspensions.

Unlike Baldwin’s permanent ban, the sanctions imposed on the other members of the team staff may be appealed to the UAAP Board.

The Ateneo men’s basketball players, however, will not face sanctions from the league.

The UAAP said its administrative review noted that the investigating government agencies did not recommend holding liable the student-athletes who were present during the incident.

The league added that it recognizes the Ateneo players as victims of the tragedy themselves.

With that distinction, the Blue Eagles will remain eligible to compete in UAAP Season 89. The Board said it also took into consideration the players’ expressed desire to honor the memories of Baterbonia and Adili through competition.

Their continued participation will come with a significant requirement for the university.

The UAAP has directed Ateneo to conduct a comprehensive reassessment of the organizational structure and management of its men’s basketball program in relation to the university’s overall athletics program.

According to the league, the reassessment is intended to strengthen student-athlete protection and welfare, accountability and institutional oversight.

The UAAP described its approach to the sanctions as both “protective and restorative,” with the league seeking to establish accountability while applying lessons from the Aurora tragedy toward creating a safer environment for student-athletes.

The league also reiterated its condolences to the families and loved ones of Baterbonia and Adili, describing their deaths as an immeasurable loss to the community.

Ateneo de Manila also released a statement:

“The Ateneo de Manila University welcomes the UAAP’s decision allowing the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team to participate in the upcoming season.

As we begin this new chapter, we remember Divine Adili and Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia with gratitude and continue to pray for their families and loved ones.

We invite the entire Ateneo community to stand together as One Ateneo in supporting our Blue Eagles across all varsity teams as they continue their journey of healing, growth, resilience, excellence, and formation.”