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| Tab Baldwin is now "perpetually banned" from the UAAP. Dennis Acosta (file photo) |
MANILA—Coach Tab Baldwin is permanently banned from the UAAP, but Ateneo de Manila University remains eligible to compete in Season 89 following the league’s decision on the tragic drowning incident exactly two months ago.
The UAAP board announced its sanctions on Friday after reviewing Ateneo’s internal investigation and the official reports of the PNP-CIDG and NBI concerning the June 8 tragedy in Dipaculao, Aurora that claimed the lives of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
The league permanently banned Baldwin from all UAAP competitions and related activities in any coaching, administrative, advisory, or official capacity.
He is also prohibited from entering any UAAP competition venue, with the sanction declared final and not appealable.
Several other Ateneo personnel, including team manager Epok Quimpo, some assistant coaches, and physical therapist John Eric Rueca, were also suspended indefinitely from UAAP participation pending further determination by the Board.
Despite the sanctions imposed on its personnel, Ateneo’s men’s basketball team remains eligible for UAAP Season 89.
The Board noted that the government investigations did not recommend holding the student-athletes present during the incident liable and recognized them as victims of the tragedy.
It also considered the players’ expressed desire to honor their fallen teammates through competition.
As a condition for Ateneo’s continued participation, the university must conduct a comprehensive reassessment of the structure and management of its men’s basketball program and athletics program to strengthen student-athlete protection, welfare, accountability, and institutional oversight.
"We are grateful that our student-athletes will once again have the opportunity to represent the University in the UAAP. For our players, this is more than a return to competition. It is an important step forward in their continuing journey of healing as a team and as young men who continue to grieve the loss of their brothers, Divine Adili and Rene Clert 'Bobet' Baterbonia," the embattled university said in a separate statement.
Ateneo further stated that it respects the bans slapped by the UAAP board.
In conclusion, the school said, "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. Together, let us strive always to be worthy of the trust that our students and their families place in us."
The Blue Eagles' redemption tour begins by participating in the upcoming Pinoyliga Cup.
