AS THE investigation into the recent drowning of Ateneo de Manila University cagers Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili continues, the UAAP said sanctions may be slapped on the Katipunan-based school if it is found to have committed lapses that led to the deaths of the student athletes
The league announced that it is closely coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Ateneo to gather more details about the incident.
“Rest assured that 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,” the league said in a statement on Sunday, June 14.
The UAAP emphasized that the safety, well-being, and holistic development of its student-athletes are at the heart of its inherent mission. It also vowed to learn from the tragedy and to work as a community to strengthen safeguards that protect student-athletes on and off the field of play.
Once the investigation is concluded, all relevant information will be referred for a full review to the rules and disciplinary committee, which is composed of representatives from the seven other member schools.
“Together, we remain committed to fostering a sporting environment grounded in safety, respect, accountability and genuine concern for the well-being of every member of the UAAP community,” the league said.
The Blue Eagles have also announced their withdrawal from the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup, where they were initially set to face the UST Growling Tigers on June 16.
Baterbonia and Adili drowned during a team-building at Hermanos Leisure Farm and Surf Camp in Dipaculao Aurora. Initial results of police investigations revealed that there was no foul play in the incident. F – Joshua Louis Sumanghid
