UAAP Allows Ateneo Blue Eagles to Compete in Season 89 Despite Tragic Deaths of Baterbonia and Adili

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has confirmed that the Ateneo Blue Eagles will remain eligible to participate in the upcoming Season 89, despite the tragic deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building activity in Aurora two months ago. The league’s decision reflects consideration of the players’ expressed wish to honor their fallen teammates through continued competition.

In a statement released by the UAAP board, the league clarified that no suspensions will be imposed on the Blue Eagles’ players who were present during the incident, recognizing them as victims of the tragedy. The board emphasized that the student-athletes should not be held liable for the events that transpired.

However, the UAAP mandated Ateneo de Manila University to conduct a thorough reassessment of the organizational structure and management of its men’s basketball program. This review is to be aligned with the university’s broader athletics program, aiming to enhance student-athlete protection, welfare, accountability, and institutional oversight.

The UAAP imposed a lifetime ban on former Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin from all UAAP competitions and related activities, including coaching, administrative, advisory, or official roles. This sanction also prohibits Baldwin from entering any UAAP competition venue and is final and unappealable. Additionally, team manager Epok Quimpo, assistant coaches Dean Caesar Castaño, Sandro Nicholas Romero Soriano, Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., Hernan Ameer Domingo, Caesar Vincent Javellana Elumba, Grant Dearns, and physical therapist John Eric Rueca have been suspended from participating in UAAP competitions. They are also barred from entering UAAP venues in any official capacity during their suspension. The UAAP noted that these sanctions can be appealed according to the league’s rules and procedures.

The UAAP described its approach to sanctions as both protective and restorative, aiming to ensure accountability, strengthen safeguards for student-athlete welfare, address the harm caused by the incident, and reinforce lessons to foster a safer environment across the league.

In expressing condolences, the UAAP extended its deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of Baterbonia and Adili, acknowledging their passing as an immeasurable loss to the community.

Ateneo de Manila University welcomed the UAAP’s decision to allow the Blue Eagles to compete. The university expressed gratitude that its student-athletes will have the opportunity to represent Ateneo once again, viewing this as a significant step in their healing process as a team and as young men grieving the loss of their teammates.

The university highlighted that Divine and Rene will remain present in spirit whenever the players wear the Ateneo jersey and take to the court. It described the Blue Eagles as more than just a basketball team, emphasizing the brotherhood formed through shared love of the game, trust, sacrifice, and care. The memory of the two fallen players will continue to be a part of the team throughout the season.

Ateneo also affirmed its respect for the UAAP’s sanctions and reiterated its commitment to strengthening policies, systems, and safeguards to better protect the safety and well-being of student-athletes and support their holistic development. The university pledged to learn from the incident and implement necessary measures to uphold its responsibilities.

As the Blue Eagles prepare for the new season, Ateneo acknowledged that the loss of Divine and Rene will always be part of their story. The university continues to remember them with gratitude, prays for their families and loved ones, and entrusts them to God’s care. The team carries not only the hopes of the Ateneo community but also the enduring bond of a brotherhood strengthened by love, tested by loss, and sustained by the memory of those who remain part of them.