UAAP: Ateneo remains eligible for Season 89, Tab Baldwin handed lifetime ban

The UAAP announced on Friday that the Ateneo de Manila University men's basketball team remains eligible to compete in the upcoming season, while imposing a perpetual ban on former head coach Tab Baldwin following the league's investigation into the June 8 incident that claimed the lives of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

The UAAP released its decision on Friday following its own probe and review of reports related to the incident.

Perpetual ban on Baldwin, suspensions for other Ateneo staff

"Thomas Anthony Baldwin is PERPETUALLY BANNED from all UAAP competitions and related activities, in any coaching, administrative, advisory, or official capacity, and he is also prohibited from entering any UAAP competition venue. This sanction is final and shall not be appealable," the UAAP said in its decision.

The UAAP also suspended former team manager Epok Quimpo and some members of the Blue Eagles' coaching staff, until further determined by the league board.

"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 shall be SUSPENDED FROM PARTICIPATION in all UAAP competitions and related activities, in any coaching, administrative, advisory, or official capacity, until further determination by the UAAP Board," the UAAP said.

"During this period, they shall likewise not be permitted to enter UAAP competition venues in an official capacity. This sanction may be appealed to the UAAP Board in accordance with its applicable rules and procedures."

The UAAP previously imposed an initial measure which barred members of the coaching staff present during the incident, although it did not name those who were affected by the sanction.

The CIDG also previously recommended the filing of anti-hazing and homicide charges against Baldwin and others following the incident.

Still eligible for competition

The UAAP also said that according to its review, the government agencies did not recommend to hold liable the student-athletes present at the incident, adding that they are also victims of the tragedy.

"In light of these findings, the Ateneo men's basketball team shall remain eligible to compete in UAAP Season 89, taking into consideration the expressed desire of these student-athletes to honor the memories of their fallen teammates through competition," the UAAP said.

The league, though, added a condition in relation to Ateneo's continued participation, requiring a "comprehensive reassessment" of their program.

"However, as a precondition for their continued participation in the UAAP, the Board has required Ateneo de Manila University to undertake a comprehensive reassessment of the organizational structure and management of its men's basketball team in relation to the University's entire athletics program in order to strengthen student-athlete protection, welfare, accountability, and institutional oversight," it added.

The league said its approach is "both protective and restorative," adding that it is "intended to ensure accountability, strengthen safeguards for the welfare and best interests of all student-athletes, address the harm caused by this incident, and reinforce the lessons learned to foster a safer and more responsible environment across the league."

Ateneo welcomes decision

In a statement, the Ateneo said it welcomes the decision made by the Board.

"As we begin this new chapter, we remember Divine Adili and Rene Clert "Bobet" Baterbonia with gratitude and continue to pray for their families and loved ones," the University 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."

UAAP Season 89 will commence on September 12.

—JKC/JMB, GMA News