Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has issued a nationwide warning to its units, urging them to desist from conducting initiation rites and hazing activities that pose threats to trainees and recruits. This directive comes in the wake of a recent incident in Basilan, which resulted in the relief of the entire Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 14-B.
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized that this incident should serve as a cautionary tale for other police offices and units. The incident involved allegations that recruits were physically harmed during supposed welcome rites, leading to the relief of about 70 personnel from RMFB 14-B. The situation gained widespread attention after photos and videos circulated on social media platforms.
Gen. Nartatez reiterated that the PNP does not condone hazing and has initiated an investigation into the incident. He stressed that discipline among recruits can be fostered without resorting to violence. "The PNP is a professional organization and all its members must behave as such," Nartatez stated. He further added, "There are other ways to instill discipline among the recruits, and beating them up is certainly not one of them."
In a press briefing held at Camp Crame, PNP information chief and spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o disclosed that criminal complaints have been filed against 12 members of RMFB 14-B, including its commander. The charges relate to physical injury under Republic Act 11053, also known as the Anti-Hazing Act. The accused include a colonel, a major, five corporals, and five patrolmen, identified based on affidavits and medical certificates obtained by investigators.
Additionally, 22 other personnel have been placed under restrictive custody concerning the incident. The remaining relieved officers are mandated to report daily to the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region while the investigation proceeds.
Of the 129 complainants, 65 have submitted medical certificates for the investigation. Brig. Gen. Tua±o highlighted, "Based on the medical certificates we received, 96 percent of those with a certificate had hematoma, contusions in the lower extremities. Only four percent were hit in the upper extremities."
The alleged hazing took place at the RMFB headquarters in Barangay Ubit, Lamitan City, where recruits were reportedly subjected to duck-walking, rolling on the ground, and were beaten with wooden sticks and arnis.
