Up to 76 police officers, including the chief of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-14B in Lamitan City, Basilan, were relieved from their posts over alleged hazing and maltreatment of new police recruits during reception rites.

In videos that circulated on social media, a police officer is seen kneeling while being punched simultaneously by two men in civilian clothes believed to be police officials. In another angle, the officer was seen collapsing after the assault.

Another video also showed bruises on the legs and back of the PNP personnel who were allegedly struck, while some were already being attended to by medics.

Authorities said the incident stemmed from reception rites conducted for newly deployed PNP personnel from the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) assigned to RMFB-14B on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

PRO-BAR said that while no critical injuries were reported, the reception rites could be considered hazing.

This prompted PRO-BAR to relieve the 76 police commissioned and non-commissioned officers, including the battalion’s commander.

All personnel involved were placed under the custody of the Regional Records Management Division-Regional Police Holding and Accounting Section (RPRMD-RPHAS) in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.

All personnel relieved were replaced by RMFB-14A to preserve the integrity of the investigation and ensure uninterrupted operations.

PRO-BAR clarified that the incident was not related to the MILF-MNLF integration quota. Of the 129 newly deployed personnel, only 13 came from the integration quota, and all recruits allegedly experienced the same maltreatment.

“Sa data, 13 doon sa 129 na napunta ay from MILF/MNLF integration quota. Wala namang personalan. Hindi issue kung galing doon sa regular quota or sa integration quota. Yun nga lang, lahatan sila nakaranas ng pagmamalabis doon sa mga nag-receive sa kanila sa battalion,” PRO-BAR Spokesperson, Capt. Steffi Salanguit, said.

The alleged hazing victims have been made to undergo physical and mental examinations so they can be given proper intervention.

PRO-BAR Director, Brigadier General Jaysen De Guzman, also visited them and assured them of a fair and thorough probe.

ZERO TOLERANCE VS ABUSE

PRO-BAR condemned the incident and said the organization upholds a zero-tolerance policy against abuse, hazing, and maltreatment within its ranks strongly.

Those involved directly in the incident may face administrative and criminal charges while supervisors may also face administrative sanctions for command responsibility and negligence.

“Kapag napatunayan sila. Tinitingnan natin if makakasuhan sila under Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 natin or it can be physical injury. Basta meron tayong administrative cases na isasampa sa kanila,” Salanguit said.

“Hindi natin kino-condone and tino-tolerate ang ganyang klaseng activities, mananagot po ang mananagot, makasuhan ang dapat makasuhan, and rest assured na maibibigay natin yung dapat doon para sa mga biktima,” Salanguit added.

PRO-BAR assured the public that the incident is being handled with transparency and due process.

Meanwhile, the National Police Commission-BARMM (NAPOLCOM-BARMM) said it is monitoring closely the viral video of the alleged hazing circulating online.

NAPOLCOM-BARMM has launched an initial investigation to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident.

“This action is in line with our mandate to ensure that all police personnel and recruits are treated with dignity and in accordance with the law, established rules, and human rights standards,” NAPOLCOM-BARMM said

NAPOLCOM-BARMM also assured the public that appropriate actions will be taken based on the results of the investigation, and accountability will be pursued should any violations be established.