70 cops sacked over alleged hazing in welcoming new policemen in Basilan
Around 70 policemen assigned to the quick reaction and emergency response unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were sacked from their posts for alleged hazing in welcoming their new members in Basilan.
PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the relief of a number of members of the Regional Mobile Forces Battalion 14 sends a strong message that the police organization does not tolerate hazing among its personnel.
“Our Chief PNP is very clear about this, that any form of hazing is not allowed and tolerated, that the focus must be on respect, discipline and professionalism among the PNP personnel,” said Tuaño.
The investigation started with the circulating videos of the alleged hazing on new members of the Regional Mobile Forces Battalion 14, composed of highly-trained police personnel tasked to help secure Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
One of the new members filed a complaint and said the hazing occurred between 12 noon to 6 p.m. on Feb. 6. After lodging the complaint, 17 more new police recruits did the same.
The police recruits, according to Tuaño, had just undergone the mandatory Basic Internal Security Operation Course (BISOC) and were tasked to report for duty to the battalion headquarters in Basilan.
Following the incident, 12 of the policemen who allegedly initiated the hazing were identified and sacked from their posts. Around 58 more were relieved later.
The entire battalion was replaced as part of the investigation protocol, according to Tuaño.
Asked if the complainants were just too sensitive, Tuaño said the Regional Director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region said the complaints have a basis.
“The PNP is also observing zero tolerance for hazing during the training and even welcome rites. Violators face administrative and criminal charges,” said Tuaño.