PRO-BAR TRAINING OFFICERS AXED OVER ALLEGED HAZING OF 129 POLICE RECRUITS

AROUND 70 members of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-B of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Administrative Region (PRO-BAR) were relieved from their posts and are now undergoing investigation following the alleged hazing of 129 police recruits that went viral on social media.

The ‘hazing” incident reportedly took place inside the RMFB’s headquarters in Bgy. Ubit in Lamitan City in Basilan.

The complainants said they were subjected to physical abuses by their trainors from the PRO-BAR.

The video showed the police recruits doing the routine “duck-walk and rolling on the ground” which is an ordinary thing for police and military neophytes.

However, they were also shown being punched and being hit with wooden sticks in their bodies. Some of the recruits were later shown with hematoma on the back of their legs, all believed to have been caused by the wooden sticks.

Philippine National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the complainants were taking the Basic Internal Security Operations Course (BISOC), a 60-day training program designed to enhance the tactical capabilities and operational readiness of Police Non-Commissioned Officers. The course focuses on counter-insurgency, jungle patrolling and urban warfare to combat internal security threats.

“Their injuries were physical. There were hematoma, assault, punches, slaps, and others,” Tuaño said.

The official said criminal and administrative cases await the accused personnel, including cases for violation of Republic Act 10053 or the Anti-Hazing Act.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. on Tuesday reiterated the strict policy against hazing in any police academies and other learning institutions.

“The Philippine National Police reiterates that hazing, in any form, is strictly prohibited within the organization. Under Republic Act No. 8049, as amended by RA 11053, the Anti-Hazing Law, any act that inflicts physical or psychological harm, injury, or suffering during initiation or welcoming practices is illegal and punishable under Philippine law,” the top cop said.

“As an institution, the PNP enforces a zero-tolerance policy against hazing. Personnel found to have participated in, organized, or facilitated hazing activities are subject to administrative sanctions, including dismissal from service, and may also face criminal liability in accordance with the law,” Nartatez added.

NAPOLCOM ORDERS PROBE

National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) vice chairman and executive officer (VCEO) attorney Rafael Vicente Calinisan directed the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to investigate reports of the alleged hazing of police recruits in  Lamitan City, Basilan.

Calinisan said he had just talked with BARMM regional director Fahd Candao and told him to look into the report.

“Hazing is illegal. The NAPOLCOM will not tolerate any and all forms of hazing in the PNP organization,” Calinisan said.

“Rest assured that we will expedite the investigation and the resolution of this case. Tamaan ang dapat tamaan,” he added

Meanwhile, the relieved officers were replaced by members of the PRO-BAR RMFB 14-A.  They were temporarily assigned at the PRO-BAR’s Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Section.