The UAAP has imposed sweeping sanctions following its investigation into the Aurora team-building tragedy that claimed the lives of Ateneo student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili.
In a statement released on Friday, the UAAP Board announced the permanent ban of longtime Ateneo men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin from all UAAP competitions and related activities, citing the findings of its internal investigation and administrative review of reports released by the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The league said Ateneo representatives recused themselves from the Board’s final deliberations to preserve the integrity of the decision-making process.
No More Tab Baldwin in Any Capacity
Under the ruling, Baldwin is perpetually banned from participating in any UAAP competition or related activity in any coaching, administrative, advisory, or official capacity. He is also prohibited from entering any UAAP competition venue. The sanction is final and is no longer subject to appeal.
The UAAP also suspended several members of Ateneo’s men’s basketball program from all league competitions and related activities until further notice.
Those suspended are 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; and physical therapist John Eric Rueca.
The suspended officials are likewise barred from entering UAAP competition venues in any official capacity while serving their suspension. Unlike Baldwin’s sanction, the suspensions may still be appealed in accordance with UAAP rules and procedures.
Ateneo Will Play On in UAAP
Despite the sanctions, the UAAP confirmed that the Ateneo men’s basketball team remains eligible to compete in UAAP Season 89.
The Board noted that the findings of the PNP-CIDG and NBI did not recommend holding the student-athletes present during the incident liable, adding that the players themselves were also victims of the tragedy.
As a condition for Ateneo’s continued participation, however, the university has been directed to undertake a comprehensive reassessment of the organizational structure and management of its men’s basketball program in relation to its broader athletics program. The review aims to strengthen student-athlete protection, welfare, accountability, and institutional oversight.
The UAAP described its actions as both protective and restorative, saying the sanctions are intended to promote accountability, reinforce safeguards for student-athlete welfare, address the harm caused by the incident, and help foster a safer environment across the league.
The league also extended its condolences to the families of Baterbonia and Adili, calling their passing “an immeasurable loss to the community.”
