UAAP: Tab Baldwin banned for life over fatal Ateneo team building

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has imposed a lifetime ban on veteran coach Tab Baldwin following the deaths of Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8.

In a statement released on Friday, the UAAP Board announced that Baldwin is perpetually banned from all UAAP competitions and related activities in any coaching, administrative, advisory, or official capacity. He is likewise prohibited from entering any UAAP competition venue, with the sanction declared final and no longer subject to appeal.

The league said its decision came after Ateneo’s internal investigation and its own administrative review of the official reports released by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Ateneo representatives also recused themselves from the Board’s final deliberations and decision-making to preserve the integrity of the process.

Suspensions subject to appeal

Aside from Baldwin, the UAAP also suspended Ateneo team manager Christopher John Quimpo, assistant coaches Dean Caesar Castaño, Sandro Nicholas Romero Soriano, Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., Hernan Ameer Domingo, Caesar Vincent Javellana Elumba and Grant Dearns, along with physical therapist John Eric Rueca, from all UAAP competitions and related activities until further notice. Unlike Baldwin’s lifetime ban, their suspensions may still be appealed before the UAAP Board.

The UAAP noted that the findings of the PNP-CIDG and the NBI did not recommend holding the Ateneo student-athletes who were present during the incident criminally liable. As such, the Board recognized the Blue Eagles players as victims of the tragedy.

Despite the sanctions imposed on the coaching staff, the Ateneo men’s basketball team will remain eligible to compete in UAAP Season 89. The Board said it considered the players’ desire to honor the memories of Baterbonia and Adili through competition.

Comprehensive reassessment

However, the league required Ateneo to conduct a comprehensive reassessment of the organizational structure and management of its men’s basketball program, as well as its overall athletics program, before continuing its participation. The review aims to strengthen student-athlete protection, welfare, accountability, and institutional oversight.

The UAAP said the sanctions were imposed not only to ensure accountability but also to reinforce safeguards that would help prevent similar incidents and create a safer environment for student-athletes across the league.

The league also extended its condolences to the families of Baterbonia and Adili, describing their deaths as “an immeasurable loss” to the UAAP community.

For Ateneo de Manila University, they welcomed UAAP’s decision to allow their team to continue competing in the league, especially this incoming season. In its statement, the university said they will always remember Baterbonia and Adili and to pray for their families.

“As we begin this new chapter, we remember Divine Adili and Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia with gratitude and continue to pray for their families and loved ones. We invite the entire Ateneo community to stand together as One Ateneo in supporting our Blue Eagles across all varsity teams as they continue their journey of healing, growth, resilience, excellence, and formation,” the statement said.

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