Around 70 police officers from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Administrative Region were relieved from their posts over alleged hazing during reception rites for 129 new police officers, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.
“All members of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-B were removed and replaced with members of 14-A. So, all of them, 70 plus, were administratively relieved,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño told reporters.
Tuaño said 12 police non-commissioned officers were positively identified by complainants as suspects.
The complaint was initially filed by one recruit, followed by statements from 18 classmates and later 110 others, according to police.
“All victims are now undergoing medical evaluation,” Tuaño said, adding that investigators are still determining whether more officers were involved.
“Their injuries were physical. There were hematoma, assault, punches, slaps, and others,” he said.
The alleged incident occurred on February 5 at the battalion headquarters in Lamitan City, Basilan.
The relieved personnel were placed under holding status pending investigation for possible violations of the Anti-Hazing Act. Vince Lopez
