MANILA, Philippines — The UAAP board came up with a final decision to allow Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball team to compete in UAAP Season 89, while its former head coach Tab Baldwin is perpetually banned from all UAAP competitions and related activities.
The decision was based on an administrative review of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reports on the deaths of student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili in a team-building activity by the Blue Eagles in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8, 2026.
The UAAP also noted that the Ateneo players involved in the Dipaculao team-building activity were “victims of tragedy.”
“In light of these findings, the Ateneo men’s basketball team shall remain eligible to compete in UAAP Season 89, taking into consideration the expressed desire of these student-athletes to honor the memories of their fallen teammates through competition,” the league said.
Baldwin, on the other hand, is banned from the UAAP.
“Thomas Anthony Baldwin is PERPETUALLY BANNED from all UAAP competitions and related activities, in any coaching, administrative, advisory, or official capacity, and he is also prohibited from entering any UAAP competition venue. This sanction is final and shall not be appealable,” the UAAP added.
