The entire Regional Mobile Force Battalion-14B (RMFB-14B) has been placed under administrative relief following allegations of hazing against new police recruits in Lamitan, Basilan, as reported by RH Edniel Parrosa.

More than 100 rookie policemen reportedly lodged complaints over violent initiation rites that took place on February 5, prompting an investigation by Bangsamoro police authorities.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson PBGEN Randulf Tuano confirmed this morning that initial findings validate the complaints. The investigation revealed that recruits from Class 2023, who had undergone basic internal security operations training, were allegedly assaulted by 12 senior officers during the so-called reception rites.

Aside from the 12 officers facing administrative charges, over 70 members of RMFB-14B have been replaced and are now under the jurisdiction of Regional Mobile Force Battalion-14A.

“Tinanggal na po ang lahat ng miyembro ng 14B ng Regional Mobile Force Battalion at sila po ay pinalitan ng miyembro ng 14A. Lahat po sila ay 70, sila po lahat ay [nasa] administrative relief,” Tuano said.