More than 70 police officers from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-14B in Lamitan City, Basilan were relieved from their posts after a video and photos of alleged abuse during reception rites went viral on social media.
The incident reportedly happened on Feb. 6 during basic internal security training for new police recruits.
According to Philippine National Police Public Information Office Chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuano, all members of RMFB-14B were removed from their posts. This includes 12 officers directly implicated in the alleged hazing of new recruits.
The relieved personnel were replaced by officers from RMFB-14A.
The involved officers have been placed under the custody of the Regional Personnel Records Management Division–Regional Police Holding and Accounting Section in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte while the investigation continues.
Authorities said 18 complainants have so far come forward over the alleged abuse. Officials expect that number to increase, with around 110 more possible complainants.
The BARMM regional director personally visited patrolmen and patrolwomen in Lamitan City to check on their condition following the incident.
Administrative cases are now being prepared against the officers implicated in the alleged hazing.
