UAAP Permanently Bans Tab Baldwin, Clears Ateneo Players to Compete After Aurora Drowning Incident

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has issued definitive sanctions following the drowning tragedy involving Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora. On Friday, the league permanently banned former Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin from all UAAP activities and venues. This decision follows Baldwin’s resignation and the findings from multiple investigations.

The UAAP’s ruling was based on Ateneo’s internal administrative review, which incorporated official reports from the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). These reports detailed the circumstances leading to the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili, prompting the league to hold responsible parties accountable.

In addition to Baldwin’s lifetime ban, several other team officials received sanctions. Team Manager Christopher John Quimpo, assistant coaches Dean Caesar Castaño, Sandro Nicholas Romero Soriano, Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., Hernan Ameer Domingo, strength and conditioning coaches Caesar Vincent Javellana Elumba and Grant Dearns, and physical therapist John Eric Rue were all prohibited from participating in UAAP events. Unlike Baldwin’s permanent ban, these suspensions are subject to appeal.

Significantly, the UAAP clarified that the surviving members of the Ateneo men’s basketball team involved in the incident are considered victims and will be allowed to compete in the upcoming Season 89 men’s basketball tournament. The league acknowledged the players’ desire to honor their fallen teammates through continued competition and affirmed their eligibility.

However, the UAAP imposed a condition on Ateneo’s participation: the university must conduct a comprehensive reassessment of the organizational structure and management of its men’s basketball program. This review is to be aligned with the broader athletics program and is a prerequisite for the team’s continued involvement in the league.

The league’s decision reflects a balance between accountability for the tragic incident and support for the student-athletes who survived. By allowing the team to compete, the UAAP recognizes the importance of healing and moving forward while ensuring that institutional reforms are implemented to prevent future tragedies.

This resolution concludes the UAAP’s disciplinary process following the drowning deaths during the June 8 team-building activity. The league’s actions underscore its commitment to athlete safety and organizational responsibility within collegiate sports in the Philippines. Ateneo’s compliance with the mandated reassessment will be closely monitored as the university prepares for the new season.