The University Athletic Association of the Philippines has granted Ateneo de Manila University’s request to extend the deadline for the submission of its official findings on the June 8 tragedy in Dipaculao, Aurora, moving it from July 15 to July 24.
In a statement released Tuesday, the league said Ateneo sought the extension before the original deadline to complete its internal investigation and finalize its report. The request was approved by the UAAP Board during its meeting.
Despite the extension, the UAAP clarified that all previously announced preventive measures remain in force, including the suspension of all Ateneo coaching staff members who were present during the incident from participating in any UAAP-related activities.
The preventive sanction was imposed last June 19 following the deaths of Ateneo men’s basketball student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia during a team-building activity in Aurora.
The barred coaches include head coach Tab Baldwin, assistant coaches Sandro Soriano, Dean Castano, Jon Jacinto, and Buboy Domingo, strength and conditioning coach CJ Elumba, and physical therapist Jerick Rueca.
The league stressed that the extension does not affect the ongoing investigations being conducted by government authorities, Ateneo’s independent fact-finding body, and the UAAP itself.
“Any determination of accountability will be based on the findings of the appropriate government agencies, Ateneo’s independent fact-finding body, and the UAAP, in accordance with the UAAP By-Laws and applicable rules and regulations,” the association said.
The UAAP has maintained that the preventive measures are intended to preserve the integrity of the investigations while ensuring transparency and due process before any sanctions are imposed.
Final action on the case will be determined after the league reviews the findings of the relevant investigations alongside Ateneo’s official report, which is now due on July 24.
