RD Soria orders probe on alleged hazing of PNP rookies

By RPCRD, Police Regional Office 8
April 12, 2013

CAMP SEC. KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte – Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) Regional Director Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Ragadio Soria ordered an immediate investigation on the alleged case of hazing victimizing new police recruits at the 8th Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB8) headquarters in Capoocan, Leyte.

“If proven true, this is a clear violation of human rights and we will not tolerate such inhuman acts conducted in no less than an official camp of the PNP,” Soria said as he directed the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD) to conduct an in-depth investigation on the matter.

“We are exercising zero tolerance on hazing and excessive punishment in any police camp. Any form of hazing has no place in the organization where respect for human rights and the rule of law is a command policy that every PNP member is duty bound to uphold,” Soria added.

Reports reaching PRO8 disclosed that at least 11 new policemen who reported to the RPSB camp for their first official assignment were allegedly subjected to hazing and maltreated for no particular reason.

Nine policemen were placed under investigation for possible culpability and may face administrative and criminal charges.

The top police official also directed all police units to refrain from conducting “reception” and other initiation rites to new police recruits as a form of tradition during the turn-over and downloading of police personnel to field units as he also reminded unit commanders on the provisions of Republic Act No. 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 1995.

“All downloaded personnel are full-pledge members of the organization and therefore should not be treated as trainees. Violations of our directive will be dealt with severely in accordance with existing laws,” Soria added.

Police personnel allegedly involved in the hazing incident were relieved from RPSB and were restricted at the PRO8 Regional Personnel Holding Accounting Unit (RPHAU).