(UPDATE) MANILA, Philippines — The Ateneo de Manila University suffered a double whammy on Friday when the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) approved a recommendation to ban the Ateneo de Manila University coaching staff present when two of the school's players drowned during a training activity and its students walked out of their classes to protest the tragic incident.
Banned were Tab Baldwin, who has since resigned as head coach, 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 would 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,” it added.
The UAAP also set July 15 as the deadline for Ateneo to submit its 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.
Walkout
Meanwhile, students of the Ateneo de Manila University walked out of their classes as they urge their school management to "do better" in protecting students amid the deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
The walkout was organized by the Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo de Manila (Council of Students of the Loyola Schools of Ateneo de Manila) and coincided with the graduation of Loyola Schools at the Ateneo campus in Katipunan, Quezon City.
Speaking to reporters, Sanggunian President Jedryc Romero said that the community deeply mourned the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili and was also one in trying to find answers over their deaths.
"We know that from all of these happenings, there needs to be change in how the University operates and the community is here to support that effort in order to make sure that community is safeguarded," Romero said.
Reiterating their call for the school to "do better," Romero said they believe that there should be changes inside the university, including reforms in leadership.
Meanwhile, graduating student Bonnie de la Paz said they were pushing for representaton from students, faculty, and even student athletes to the Ateneo Board of Trustees.
"Otherwise, Rene and Divine's death could happen again," de la Paz said.
