Ateneo de Manila University has yet to decide whether it will compete in UAAP Season 89 following the tragic deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
Ateneo President Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, said the priority remains the ongoing investigations being conducted by both the UAAP and government authorities, leaving the school’s participation in the tournament, which opens in September, uncertain.
“Sa UAAP, wala pang desisyon kung anong gagawin,” Yap said during a press conference.
Adili and Baterbonia lost their lives during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8.
The Blue Eagles had earlier withdrawn from the ongoing 19th FilOil Preseason Cup.
They only appeared in one game, defeating Adamson University, 72-52, on June 6.
“Si Divine, nakaburol pa dito. Our players, isang linggo pa lang galing sa trauma, so it doesn’t make sense to play,” he said.
Meanwhile, Yap said Ateneo is fully cooperating with authorities, the independent fact-finding team, and the UAAP as multiple inquiries into the matter continue.
“Nagsabi ‘yung [UAAP] board, at susunod kami doon. Ang sabi [ng fact-finding team] sa amin, at least two weeks ‘yung kailangan nila kasi talagang thorough ‘yung [investigation] dito. Kahit kami mismo sa administration, ‘yung coaching staff, maaaring tawagin at kausapin,” Yap said.
The UAAP is conducting its own probe into the incident.
Over the past week, the league said it is also coordinating with government authorities and will take into consideration the findings of their respective investigations.
“The UAAP will enforce sanctions in cases where there are breaches of established protocols, laws and regulations, provided these sanctions are established through due process and in accordance with governance and disciplinary procedures,” it said.
As for possible suspensions, a withdrawal or a leave of absence, the league said Ateneo has the prerogative to do so voluntarily.
“Whatever preventive suspension, I don’t know whether or not their institution will do that. It is really based on their prerogative,” UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rene Saguisag said in a separate press conference last week.
The Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has launched a separate investigation, while the Department of Labor and Employment has also initiated proceedings related to the matter.
Former Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Christopher “Epok” Quimpo have resigned from their respective posts, but did not appear before authorities after subpoenas were issued to them on Monday morning, June 15. (ABS-CBN News)