UAAP slaps ban on all Ateneo coaches in Aurora training tragedy
FILE– Former Ateneo Blue Eagles coach Tab Baldwin during a UAAP Season 88 second round matchup against La Salle.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–The UAAP has officially given sanctions to members of the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ coaching staff who were present in a training activity in Dipaculao, Aurora that claimed the lives of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
On Friday, the league barred all coaches from holding any position in the league “pending the outcome of the investigations of the concerned government agencies, Ateneo’s independent fact-finding inquiry, and the League’s own investigation.”
The league has also given Ateneo a July 15 deadline to submit its official findings, even as resigned coach Tab Baldwin on Friday appeared before before the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), one of the government agencies handling the investigation.
“As such, they are prohibited from participating in any UAAP-related activities, in any capacity, effective immediately and while these investigations are being conducted.”
Barring the coaches for the time being is the least that the league could do, before heavier penalties are meted.
La Salle was banned for a season after allowing two ineligible players to see action, the same penalty it imposed on Adamson when it fielded Marlou Aquino, who lacked the minimum academic requirements, to suit up for a couple of years.
While investigations are ongoing, several Ateneo figures have appeared during hearings to shed light to the unfortunate incident.
The UAAP also said that the decision was made to look for “accountability” from those involved.
“The UAAP reiterates that accountability shall be determined based on the results of a thorough and impartial investigation and its fidelity to its own rules and regulations,” the statement said. “All those found responsible for any wrongdoing shall be held fully accountable under league regulations.”
The league also continued to express its sympathies to the bereaved families of Baterbonia and Adili.
“Above all, the UAAP extends its deepest sympathies to the bereaved parties and calls for justice, truth, and dignity for those who lost their lives in the incident,” the statement said. “Their memories will be honored with the commitment to further protect our student-athletes so that such tragedy will never happen again.
