70 Bangsamoro cops axed over recruits’ hazing

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February 10, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — At least 70 members of the police Regional Mobile Force Battalion-14 (RMFB-14) were relieved from their posts yesterday, as authorities investigate a “brutal” reception rite for 114 newly graduated members of the Philippine National Police in Lamitan City, Basilan last week.

Brig. Gen. Jaysen de Guzman, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region police director, ordered the relief of the 70 RMFB members, although only 12 police officers were positively identified during initial investigation to be involved in the incident.

De Guzman led an investigation on Sunday, as several local executives condemned the incident on social media.

“Under the principle of command responsibility, negligent supervisors will face administrative sanctions. Appropriate charges shall be filed against those involved,” De Guzman said yesterday.

The National Police Commission also initiated its own investigation, with Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Calinisan saying he has coordinated with officials in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao about the incident.

“Hazing is illegal. The Napolcom will not tolerate any form of hazing in the PNP. We will expedite the investigation and resolution of this case,” Calinisan said.

The Philippine National Police condemned the alleged hazing incident as PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño stressed that hazing, in any form, is not tolerated in the organization.

Tuaño said the incident occurred from noon to 6 p.m. on Feb. 5, following the recruits’ graduation from basic internal security operations training.

The 114 recruits are to be assigned to the RMFB-14, a rapid-deployment police unit in the region, he added.

According to reports, the recruits are mostly from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and admitted into the PNP as part of the conditions the MILF and the government agreed on during a 2014 truce.

The 114 were allegedly subjected to degrading and physically strenuous acts and beaten with wooden sticks during the reception rites.

Two reportedly lost consciousness and were taken to a hospital. At least one filed a formal complaint, with 18 others issuing affidavits.

More than 30 have undergone medical examination for bruises, hematoma
and physical pain.

“The PNP strictly bans any form of hazing. We must focus only on professionalism, discipline and respect for every member. There is zero tolerance. Those proven liable will face criminal and administrative charges,” Tuaño stressed.

He added that hazing is “strictly prohibited” in all PNP training, orientation and welcome rites.

Authorities said the case is being handled with transparency and due process.