Cops charged for hazing of rookies now 54

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February 12, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — More police officers have been implicated in the brutal hazing of new members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Lamitan, Basilan.

From 12, the number of respondents charged for violating Republic Act (RA) 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act increased to 54 yesterday, according to PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño.

Among those charged was Col. Joel Estaris, chief of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14 based in the Bangsamoro region.

Other accused officials include a major, four captains, seven corporals and 41 patrolmen.

Thirteen of the respondents may face up to 40 years in prison as provided under Section 14 of RA 11053, for either being the plotters or organizers of the hazing, or for having participated directly in the crime.

The other police officers may face up to 20 years in prison for violating Section 14, Paragraph C of the same law, which penalizes those present during hazing rites.

Tuaño said the figure could still increase as investigators are still gathering sworn statements from 129 police officers who were subjected to the hazing rites.

Some victims said Estaris was present while they were beaten up. They said they heard him giving instructions.

“Although there has been no testimony directy linking Estaris to physical beatings, his mere presence and his being chief of the unit made him liable under Section 14B,” Tuaño told journalists at a news briefing.

He said the officers would be placed under preventive suspension and would not receive their salaries.

Up to 77 officers were sacked from their posts in connection with the incident.