By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
The Philippine National Police (PNP) expressed strong condemnation of the alleged hazing and maltreatment of 129 police officers assigned at Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14B (RMFB 14B) headquarters in Lamitan City, Basilan.
This incident, which went viral on social media, shows police officers conducting physical assault using arnis sticks and punches on their fellow officers as part of the initiation and welcome rites on newly-appointed officials.
In a briefing on Monday, PNP Public Information Office Chief and Spokesperson, PBGen. Randulf Tuaño said that the incident occurred on February 6 and only came to light after an officer lodged a complaint, with other victims eventually following suit.
PBGen. Tuaño told the media, “May mga 30 na po tayo mahigit na napa-medical, at base po dun, titingnan po nila kung sino yung may mga pasa, hematoma kung saan maaaring makadagdag-ebidensya upang palakasin ang sinasabi po natin na [kaso ng hazing].”
He moreover clarified that only roll-like-a-barrel and duckwalk are allowed to be included in the exercise of welcome rites for newly-appointed personnel.
As of press time, 70 personnel from the RMFB 14B were already relieved from their posts—12 of whom were directly involved in the beating of 129 PNP personnel.
The PNP spokesperson reminded his comrades, “Mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ng Philippine National Police ang anumang uri ng hazing sa lahat ng training, orientation, at welcome rites ng ating mga personnel. Dapat nakatuon lang po tayo sa propesyonalismo, disiplina, at paggalang sa dignidad ng bawat miyembro.”
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) is now preparing administrative and criminal charges against those responsible for the alleged hazing of police officials.
In a statement published on social media, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) said that it is closely monitoring further developments related to this matter, likewise urging the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that may hamper the investigation into the incident.
The statement reads, “The Napolcom BARMM Regional Office has initiated an initial investigation to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. This action is in line with our mandate to ensure that all police personnel and recruits are treated with dignity and in accordance with the law, established rules, and human rights standards.” (with report from Ryan Lesigues | PTV News)
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