54 BARMM cops now respondents in Basilan hazing complaint
The number of police officers implicated in a Basilan hazing complaint has risen to 54, including senior officials in BARMM, the PNP said.
Daily TribuneThe number of police officers implicated in a Basilan hazing complaint has risen to 54, including senior officials in BARMM, the PNP said.
From the initial 12 respondents earlier this week, the number of police officers in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) named in a complaint linked to a hazing incident in Basilan has increased significantly.
Philippine National Police spokesperson Randulf Tuaño, in a press briefing at Camp Crame, said the number has ballooned to 54 as of Wednesday.
“Mula sa unang 12 na nasampahan ng kaso sa prosecutor’s office, umakyat na sa 54 ang mga sinampahan ng kaso batay sa patuloy na imbestigasyon,” Tuaño said, noting that the figure could still rise as the investigation continues.
The implicated officers include a police colonel, a major, four captains, seven corporals, and 41 patrolmen.
All 54 officers have been placed under restrictive custody, while the Police Regional Office in BARMM is considering placing them under preventive suspension pending the outcome of the investigation.
The alleged hazing incident reportedly occurred last week at the Regional Mobile Force Battalion headquarters in Barangay Ubit, Lamitan City, Basilan. More than 100 recruits were allegedly forced to duck-walk, roll on the ground, and were beaten with wooden sticks and arnis sticks.