The Sports Stakeholders' Panel has expressed full support for the ongoing investigation into the June 8 incident in Dipaculao, Aurora, which resulted in the deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes. In a statement released on July 1, the panel also called for comprehensive reforms to enhance athlete safety and professionalize coaching in the Philippines.
Investigation Supported by Stakeholders
The panel backed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) probe into the tragedy that killed team manager Rene Clert "Bobet" Baterbonia and student-athlete Divine Adili during a men's basketball team-building activity. Authorities are investigating whether hazing or negligence played a role in the deaths.
The panel commended the CIDG's "diligent and sustained pursuit of the truth," appreciated its regular public updates, and expressed confidence in the agency's adherence to due process. It also supported the Commission on Higher Education's ongoing review of institutional oversight under Ched Memorandum Order No. 63, series of 2017.
Balancing Training and Safety
The panel acknowledged that the investigation has raised concerns among coaches and sports administrators about the balance between rigorous athletic training and athlete safety. "Many sports demand discipline, rigorous physical conditioning, and mental fortitude," the panel said. "Coaches and team managers therefore bear the dual responsibility of pushing athletes to excel while exercising sound judgment and safeguarding them from harm, abuse, exploitation, and competing interests that compromise athlete-centered training in pursuit of profit or power."
Reforms to Professionalize Coaching
The group reiterated its commitment to raising professional standards for coaches and team managers through continuing education, mandatory certifications including basic life support training, clearer operational guidelines, and stronger safeguarding measures across sports programs. These reforms aim to protect both athletes and coaches while reinforcing ethical practices and restoring public trust in Philippine sports.
The panel noted that the Philippine Sports Commission has begun implementing reforms through its Coach Developer Academy, which trains coach developers ahead of the planned National Sports Coaching Certification Program. This initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Department of Education, while CHED is drafting new memorandum orders on athlete welfare and safe sport.
Strengthening Safeguards
The statement also encouraged national sports associations to strengthen their safeguarding frameworks and appoint safeguarding officers to ensure concerns raised within sports organizations are properly addressed. According to the panel, these initiatives could help pave the way for renewed discussions on the proposed Sports Coaching Act under House Bill No. 2631.
The group called on the country's sports community to support the reforms and reexamine existing practices. "The power entrusted to us, the accountability we accept, and the standards we choose to uphold will define the culture of sport that shapes our youth and, ultimately, the kind of nation we become," the statement said. The Philippine Sports Commission earlier announced P250,000 in financial assistance each for the families of Baterbonia and Adili.
