UAAP Bars Tab Baldwin for Life but Allows Ateneo to Compete in Season 89

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) announced on August 7, 2026, that the Ateneo de Manila University men's basketball team will remain eligible to participate in the upcoming Season 89. This decision comes after the league's investigation into the tragic June 8 incident in Dipaculao, Aurora, which resulted in the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. However, the UAAP imposed a lifetime ban on former Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin as part of its disciplinary actions.

The UAAP's announcement followed a thorough review of reports and findings related to the incident. The league declared that Thomas Anthony Baldwin is permanently banned from all UAAP competitions and related activities. This ban extends to any coaching, administrative, advisory, or official roles, and Baldwin is prohibited from entering any UAAP competition venues. The UAAP emphasized that this sanction is final and not subject to appeal.

In addition to Baldwin's lifetime ban, the UAAP suspended former team manager Epok Quimpo and several members of the Blue Eagles' coaching staff. Assistant coaches Dean Caesar Castaño, Sandro Nicholas Romero Soriano, Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., Hernan Ameer Domingo, Caesar Vincent Javellana Elumba, strength and conditioning coach Grant Dearns, and physical therapist John Eric Rueca are suspended from all UAAP competitions and related activities until further notice. During this suspension, they are also barred from entering UAAP competition venues in any official capacity. Unlike Baldwin's sanction, these suspensions may be appealed according to UAAP rules.

Previously, the UAAP had barred coaching staff members present during the incident from participating in league activities, though it did not specify the individuals affected. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) had also recommended filing anti-hazing and homicide charges against Baldwin and others involved in the incident.

The UAAP's review found that government agencies did not recommend holding the student-athletes present at the incident liable. The league recognized these athletes as victims of the tragedy. Taking this into account, the UAAP affirmed that the Ateneo men's basketball team remains eligible for Season 89. The league noted the players' expressed desire to honor their fallen teammates through competition.

However, the UAAP imposed a condition on Ateneo's continued participation. The league's Board requires the university to conduct a comprehensive reassessment of the organizational structure and management of its men's basketball team. This review should extend to the university's entire athletics program, focusing on strengthening student-athlete protection, welfare, accountability, and institutional oversight.

The UAAP described its approach as both protective and restorative. The league aims to ensure accountability, enhance safeguards for student-athletes' welfare, address the harm caused by the incident, and reinforce lessons learned to foster a safer and more responsible environment across all member schools.

In response, Ateneo de Manila University welcomed the UAAP Board's decision. The university expressed gratitude as it remembers Divine Adili and Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia and continues to pray for their families. Ateneo called on its community to unite in support of the Blue Eagles and all varsity teams as they embark on a journey of healing, growth, resilience, excellence, and formation.