DILG probe to find out if 7 BFP-Eastern Visayas trainees underwent hazing
TACLOBAN CITY – Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. has ordered a probe to determine if the seven trainees of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) who were rushed to the hospital due to muscle pain last July 6 underwent hazing.
Fire Chief Insp. Jean Tolosa, chief of the Health and Services Section of the BFP Region 8, had earlier said that the trainees suffered acute kidney injury from rhabdomyolysis caused by sudden extraneous physical exercises which none of them has prepared for.
She also explained that the muscles release enzymes and proteins which may cause damage to the kidneys because they are too big to be excreted.
Tolosa clarified that the trainees have not undergone initiation rites since there were no traces of hematoma.
Despite this assertion, the probe aims to find out if there was hazing involved during the incident.
Abalos stressed the need to hear both sides in coming up with a decision if some BFP officers would be relieved from their posts.
"We have to wait for the results but one thing is for certain. This should not happen to anyone," he said.
Abalos committed to extend at least P15,000 financial assistance to each of the seven trainees through his foundation.
"We are serious in making sure that this would not happen again. We will get to the bottom of this. I am calling on other victims to talk. Do not be afraid because we, the NBI, are here to correct this," he said.
Fire Chef Supt. Rodolfo Denaga, BFP-Region 8 director, said four trainees initially complained of muscle pain during their third day of training.
They noticed urine discoloration among the trainees during their laboratory examination, which prompted Tolosa to recommend hospital checkup and eventually admission for them.
Three more trainees showed the same symptoms and were also brought to the hospital for admission.