MANILA, Philippines — The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Board of Trustees on Friday approved the recommendation of the league’s Board of Managing Directors to ban the members of the Ateneo de Manila University coaching staff who were present during the incident in Dipaculao, Aurora last June 8, which resulted in the drowning of two Blue Eagles players during a training activity.
The coaches in particular are Tab Baldwin, who recently resigned as head coach of the Blue Eagles, and assistant coaches Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., Dean Castaño and Sandro Soriano.
Baldwin and Soriano appeared before the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on Friday.
In a statement, the UAAP said the duration of the ban will depend on the outcome of investigations by concerned government agencies, Ateneo’s independent fact-finding inquiry, and the league’s own probe.
“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 in a statement.
“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 carefully examined,” they added.
The UAAP also set July 15 as the deadline for Ateneo to submit its official findings regarding the incident.
“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 said.
“Above all, the UAAP extends its deepest sympathies to the bereaved parties and calls for justice, truth, and dignity for those who lost their lives in the incident. Their memories will be honored with the commitment to further protect our student-athletes so that such a tragedy will never happen again,” it added.
