UAAP won’t rush action with probes ongoing after Ateneo deaths
Photos from Rene Baterbonia’s Facebook, MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) is awaiting official reports before determining whether sanctions will be imposed on Ateneo following the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
Speaking during a Philippine Sports Commission media briefing on Wednesday, UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag said the league is still gathering information and will rely on evidence and findings from relevant authorities before making any decision.
READ: Ateneo players’ deaths put spotlight on Blue Eagles ‘bootcamp’
“We go where the evidence leads,” Saguisag told reporters. “We are now in the process of gathering information and awaiting official reports that are being prepared.”
Saguisag emphasized the need for due process, noting that all parties involved must be given an opportunity to present their side before the league reaches any conclusions.
“What can we possibly do? We have no experts here, Ateneo’s not here yet, either,” he said. “We can’t pass judgment this early. Due process states that everyone should be heard. The expertise of each agency shall be considered.”
Earlier Wednesday, two members of the Ateneo Blue Eagles coaching staff reportedly met with Baterbonia’s parents during the wake in Quezon City to discuss the incident.
Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin has yet to issue a public statement regarding the deaths.
READ: Grieving Baterbonia mom airs frustration over info gap, spread
Saguisag said the UAAP would follow the same process it used in previous disciplinary cases, including its investigation involving the University of Santo Tomas during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am sure that you are aware of previous incidents before,” Saguisag said. “Just to clarify, in those cases, we waited for the official reports—all of them.”
In 2020, the UST Growling Tigers, then under coach Aldin Ayo, conducted a training bubble that violated government quarantine protocols, prompting an investigation and sanctions from the league.
