UAAP bans Ateneo coaching staff present in Aurora tragedy pending probe
The University Athletic Association of the Philippines has issued a preemptive ban on all Ateneo de Manila University coaching staff who were present during the tragic incident in Dipaculao, Aurora.
The decision was finalized by the UAAP Board of Trustees, acting on a recommendation from the Board of Managing Directors.
"The Board of Trustees of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines has approved the recommendation of the Board of Managing Directors to bar from the UAAP all the coaching staff of the Ateneo de Manila University who were present during the June 8 incident in Dipaculao, Aurora, pending the outcome of the investigations of the concerned government agencies, Ateneo’s independent fact-finding inquiry, and the League’s own investigation," read the June 19 statement.
"As such, they are prohibited from participating in any UAAP-related activities, in any capacity, effective immediately and while these investigations are being conducted," it continued.
The UAAP stated that this temporary ban ensures a transparent, fair investigation while the facts are being gathered.
It also set a July 15 deadline for the submission of official findings.
Acknowledging the "differing and clashing perceptions" surrounding the tragedy, the UAAP stressed its commitment to due process, objective evaluation, and its own internal rules. The league noted that the actions of the member-university and the individuals involved will be "thoroughly evaluated by the other member schools before passing judgment." The organization currently has eight member schools, including ADMU: Adamson University, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, National University, University of the East, University of the Philippines, and University of Santo Tomas.
"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," it 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 tragedy will never happen again," the statement ended.
Earlier this week, the UAAP said it is deferring its decision on placing sanctions against Ateneo to await official investigation findings.
It reiterated its earlier position, stating it "will fully take into account" the results of parallel investigations conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the Commission on Higher Education, and ADMU.
"The UAAP is closely following all developments surrounding this tragic incident and carefully reviewing the findings of the ongoing investigations as they come," the statement read.
Once the probes are completed, the UAAP will transmit the findings to its seven member schools "for a full and fair review."
The UAAP Season 89 is set to kick off this September.
Ateneo president Fr. Fr. Bobby Yap on Monday said that they have still "yet to make a decision" if they will be participating in the upcoming season. "'Yung sa UAAP, wala pang desisyon, wala pa iniisip ang paaralan. Wala pa talagang desisyon kung ano gagawin.”
