By MARK REY MONTEJO
The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Board has approved Ateneo de Manila University’s request to extend the deadline for submitting its official findings on the June 8 incident in Dipaculao, Aurora that claimed the lives of student athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
In a statement, the new deadline has been moved from July 15 to July 24 to allow Ateneo additional time to complete its investigation into the team-building incident involving its men’s basketball squad.
“Ateneo requested the extension before the original deadline to complete its internal investigation and submit its report. The UAAP Board approved the request during its meeting,” the UAAP wrote.
“Any determination of accountability will be based on the findings of the appropriate government agencies, Ateneo’s independent fact-finding body, and the UAAP, in accordance with the UAAP By-Laws and applicable rules and regulations,” it added.
Despite the development, the Board said “all previously announced preventive measures remain in effect during the extension period, including the barring of concerned members of the Ateneo coaching staff from all UAAP-related activities.”
“Any determination of accountability will be based on the findings of the appropriate government agencies, Ateneo’s independent fact-finding body, and the UAAP, in accordance with the UAAP By-Laws and applicable rules and regulations,” the statement said.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has already recommended the filing of criminal charges against former Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin and 11 others, along with employees of the Aurora resort.
The legal documents were transmitted by the NBI to the Department of Justice on Monday, July 13, following the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) earlier recommendation to file criminal charges against the Ateneo officials.
