UAAP bars Ateneo coaching staff present in Aurora drowning incident

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines has barred members of the Ateneo de Manila University coaching staff who were present during the June 8 incident in Aurora that claimed the lives of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

In a statement released on Friday, the league said the move was approved by the UAAP Board of Trustees, upon the recommendation of the Board of Managing Directors, pending the outcome of ongoing investigations by government agencies, Ateneo, and the league.

"As such, they are prohibited from participating in any UAAP-related activities, in any capacity, effective immediately and while these investigations are being conducted," the UAAP said.

The league, however, did not identify the coaching staff members covered by the decision.

“This preemptive measure, adopted even prior to the UAAP season, is intended to preserve the integrity of the ongoing inquiry and to ensure full transparency and due process as facts surrounding the incident are being carefully examined.”

The league also set July 15 as the deadline for Ateneo to submit its findings on the incident.

“Amidst differing and clashing perceptions on this tragic incident, the UAAP, as a collegial body, is committed to adhere to its own governing rules and processes where the acts of a Member-University and personalities involved will be thoroughly evaluated by the other member schools before passing judgment.”

“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. All those found responsible for any wrongdoing shall be held fully accountable under league regulations.”

The league previously vowed to hold those responsible for the incident accountable and impose possible sanctions once the investigations are finalized.

Ateneo, meanwhile, previously said it has yet to make a decision regarding its participation in the upcoming UAAP season.

—JKC, GMA News