The University Athletic Association of the Philippines has permanently banned Ateneo de Manila University head coach Tab Baldwin from all UAAP competitions and related activities following its administrative review of the events surrounding the deaths of two Blue Eagles student-athletes in Dipaculao, Aurora.
The UAAP Board announced the sanctions on Friday after reviewing Ateneo’s internal investigation and the publicized official reports of the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) regarding the June 8 team-building tragedy that claimed the lives of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
Ateneo representatives recused themselves from the Board’s final deliberations and decision-making to ensure the integrity of the process.
The Board, citing its mandate to foster educational development through amateur sports, imposed a permanent ban on Baldwin from all UAAP competitions and related activities in any coaching, administrative, advisory, or official capacity.
Baldwin is also prohibited from entering any UAAP competition venue.
The sanction is final and not subject to appeal.
Meanwhile, Ateneo team manager Epok Quimpo and assistant coaches Dean Castaño, Sandro Soriano, Jon Jacinto, Buboy Domingo, CJ Elumba, and Grant Dearns were suspended from participation in all UAAP competitions and related activities. Physical therapist Jerick Rueca was likewise suspended.
The suspensions cover any coaching, administrative, advisory, or official capacity and will remain in effect until further determination by the UAAP Board. The suspended personnel are also barred from entering UAAP competition venues in an official capacity during the duration of their sanctions.
Unlike Baldwin’s permanent ban, the suspensions may be appealed to the UAAP Board in accordance with applicable rules and procedures.
The sanctions stem from the tragic team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8, where Baterbonia and Adili died.
The UAAP said the decisions were made following an administrative review of the findings presented by the government agencies, alongside Ateneo’s internal investigation.
