Lamitan City, Basilan — The Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BARMM) has ordered the relief of several officers of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14B (RMFB-14B) following allegations of hazing and maltreatment raised by some of its personnel, prompting a formal investigation into the reported abuses.
The allegations surfaced after social media posts and videos circulated online, showing what appeared to be physical and psychological maltreatment during so-called “reception rites” involving newly assigned personnel in Lamitan City. RMFB-14B, which was previously stationed in Jolo, Sulu, is currently deployed in Basilan.
In response, PRO-BARMM acknowledged the viral materials and strongly condemned the alleged acts, stressing that such behavior has no place in the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“In accordance with the directive of the Chief, PNP, PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., the PNP strictly upholds a zero-tolerance policy against abuse, hazing, and maltreatment within its ranks,” PRO-BARMM said in an official statement.
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of PRO-BARMM, immediately ordered the relief of all personnel assigned at the RMFB-14B headquarters and other individuals reportedly involved in the incident. The relieved officers have been placed under the custody of the Regional Personnel Records Management Division – Regional Police Holding and Accounting Section (RPRMD-RPHAS) in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.
To ensure the continuity of police operations and safeguard the integrity of the investigation, RMFB-14A personnel have been deployed to temporarily replace the relieved unit.
De Guzman also personally visited the newly assigned patrolmen and patrolwomen in Lamitan City to assess their condition and welfare. During the visit, he assured them that the investigation would be fair, comprehensive, and free from undue influence.
Under the principle of command responsibility, PRO-BARMM said appropriate administrative sanctions will be imposed on supervisors found negligent in preventing the alleged abuses. Meanwhile, administrative and criminal charges will be filed against those who will be proven to have directly participated in the maltreatment.
The regional police leadership emphasized that the probe will be conducted in strict accordance with PNP rules and regulations, ensuring due process for both complainants and respondents.
In line with his official itinerary, De Guzman also met with members of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 4B (RMFB-4B), who raised similar concerns regarding alleged harassment and maltreatment. He reiterated that the command takes all such complaints seriously and has directed investigators to examine the issues thoroughly.
“Every member of our organization deserves to work in an environment that is safe, respectful, and professional. Any proven misconduct will be addressed decisively, while we ensure that all individuals receive fair and impartial due process,” De Guzman said.
He further encouraged police personnel to utilize proper communication and reporting channels when raising concerns, assuring them that their welfare and rights will be protected.
PRO-BARMM also assured the public that the case is being handled with transparency and accountability, as part of the PNP’s commitment to maintaining discipline, professionalism, and respect for human rights within its ranks.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities said further updates will be released as soon as findings become available.