Camille Naredo

Ateneo De Manila University campus in Katipunan, Quezon City in this photo taken on May 26, 2023. Gigie Cruz, ABS-CBN News/File

Ateneo De Manila University campus in Katipunan, Quezon City in this photo taken on May 26, 2023. Gigie Cruz, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

ATENEO DE MANILA

Paige Javier

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178142998437320230526-ateneo-de-manila-GCS151442.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Ateneo De Manila University campus in Katipunan, Quezon City in this photo taken on May 26, 2023. Gigie Cruz, ABS-CBN News/File"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Ateneo De Manila University campus in Katipunan, Quezon City in this photo taken on May 26, 2023. <em>Gigie Cruz, ABS-CBN News/File</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA – The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) on Sunday affirmed its commitment to truth, accountability, and justice following the deaths of Ateneo student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia. </p><p>In a statement, the league said it is closely monitoring all investigations of law enforcement agencies into the tragic incident that claimed the lives of Adili and Baterbonia in a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora. </p><p>&quot;The UAAP is closely following all developments surrounding this tragic incident and carefully reviewing the findings of the ongoing investigations as they come. When completed, all relevant information will be referred to the seven other member schools for a full and fair review,&quot; it said. </p><p>&quot;As previously stated, the UAAP will fully take into account the findings of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the concerned member school, as only limited details have been officially confirmed,&quot; the league added. </p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/6/14/pnp-verifying-statements-circulating-after-deaths-of-ateneo-s-adili-baterbonia-1357">READ: PNP verifying statements circulating after deaths of Ateneo&#x27;s Adili, Baterbonia</a></div><p>UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag earlier said the league is awaiting the results of all investigations into the tragic incident before taking action.  </p><p>The UAAP assured it will impose sanctions if proven there are violations of established protocols, laws, and regulations. </p><p>The league said these sanctions will be established through due process and in accordance with governance and disciplinary procedures. </p><p>The UAAP will also review and revise if needed existing rules and policies in a bid to strengthen accountability, uphold the highest standards of safety and athlete welfare. </p><p>&quot;As the UAAP continues to mourn the untimely passing of Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili on June 8, 2026, in Dipaculao, Aurora, the League again extends its heartfelt condolences to their families, loved ones, teammates, coaches, and the entire Ateneo community,&quot; it said. </p><p>&quot;This difficult moment has reminded us that the care and protection of our student-athletes are paramount. 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,&quot; the league added. </p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/6/14/labor-groups-like-workers-student-athletes-deserve-protection-and-accountability-1125">READ: Labor groups: Like workers, student athletes deserve protection and accountability</a></div><p>Ateneo earlier called for a thorough fact-finding investigation into the deaths of its athletes, with Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo going on leave to preserve the integrity of the inquiry. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>ATENEO WITHDRAWS FROM FILOIL</strong></div><p>Meanwhile, the Ateneo Blue Eagles have withdrawn from competing in the remainder of the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup, according to the league.</p><p>In a statement on Sunday, the league said the Executive Committee has been informed of Ateneo&#x27;s decision following the tragic incident.  </p><p>&quot;Upon continuous discussions and as confirmed with the University&#x27;s athletic director Mr. Emmanuel Fernandez, it was deemed appropriate to grant their request out of compassion following the tragic incident,&quot; the league said. </p><p>&quot;The league continues to extend its heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved and to the community as we navigate these tough times,&quot; it added.  </p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/6/13/baterbonia-s-former-coach-agent-appeal-to-tab-baldwin-and-ateneo-for-clarity-1012">READ: Baterbonia’s former coach, agent appeal to Tab Baldwin and Ateneo for clarity</a></div><p>Ateneo was supposed to face the University of Santo Tomas on Tuesday.  </p><p>Last June 6, Ateneo played what would be its only game in the preseason tournament, beating Adamson University 72-52, at the Filoil Ecooil Center in San Juan. </p>

<p>The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) on Sunday affirmed its commitment to truth, accountability, and justice following the deaths of Ateneo student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia.</p>

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) on Sunday affirmed its commitment to truth, accountability, and justice following the deaths of Ateneo student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia.

UAAP affirms commitment to accountability as it closely monitors probes into Ateneo student-athletes' deaths

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UAAP affirms commitment to accountability as it closely monitors probes into Ateneo student-athletes' deaths

Paige Javier,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 14, 2026 05:41 PM PHT

Read More:

Basketball

Ateneo Blue Eagles

UAAP

University Athletic Association of the Philippines

Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup

Tab Baldwin

Divine Adili

Rene Baterbonia

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