The University Athletic Association of the Philippines has barred all members of the Ateneo de Manila University coaching staff who were present during the June 8 incident in Dipaculao, Aurora, that resulted in the deaths of student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia.
In a statement released Friday, the UAAP Board of Trustees approved the recommendation of the Board of Managing Directors to impose the preventive measure on the concerned coaches while probes by government authorities, Ateneo’s independent fact-finding body, and the league itself are being conducted.
According to reports from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, persons of interest who were present during the “team-building activity” are Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin, assistant coaches Sandro Soriano, Dean Castano, and Jon Jacinto, strength and conditioning coach CJ Elumba, and physical therapist Jerick Rueca.
As a result of the UAAP ruling, the concerned coaching staff members are prohibited from participating in any UAAP-related activities in any capacity, effective immediately and until the investigations have been completed.
The league emphasized that the move is a preemptive measure designed to protect the integrity of the ongoing inquiries and ensure transparency and due process while authorities continue to establish the facts surrounding the tragedy.
“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 statement read.
The Board of Trustees also set July 15, 2026, as the deadline for Ateneo de Manila University to submit its official findings regarding the incident.
Despite what it described as “differing and clashing perceptions” surrounding the tragedy, the UAAP reiterated its commitment to following its established rules and procedures before making any final determination on accountability.
The league said the actions of both the member school and the personalities involved will be thoroughly evaluated by the association’s member universities before any judgment is rendered.
“Accountability shall be determined based on the results of a thorough and impartial investigation and its fidelity to its own rules and regulations,” the UAAP stated, adding that those found responsible for any wrongdoing will be held fully accountable under league regulations.
