8 Calabarzon cops sacked over hazing

MANILA, Philippines—Eight police officers in the Calabarzon region were relieved from their post after they allegedly subjected trainees to hazing, making them drink chili-laced water and rubbing the hot pepper on their genitals.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Raul Bacalzo ordered a “full-dress investigation” as he ordered the eight officers from the Regional Public Safety Battalion of the Police Regional Office 4A relieved and placed under restrictive custody.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. “strongly” condemned the “acts of maltreatment.”

Relieved from their post since Monday were Police Officer 1 Roque Oro, PO1 Evan Mark Cuartero, PO1 Jhun Plonelo, PO1 Melvin Malihan, PO1 Rovylyn Addatu,PO1 Marfe Adler, PO1 Allan Pascua and PO1 Troy Sumayod, he said.

Two videos of the hazing incident, probably taken using mobile phones, were sent to the Commission on Human Rights before the PNP national headquarters got a copy, Cruz said.

“These actions, as I’ve said before, have no place in the PNP where respect and human rights and the rule of law is a policy, a must for everybody,” Cruz said.

Members of the regional police office said the videos were taken sometime in 2010, Cruz said although he denied the hazing occurred inside Camp Eldridge in Los Baños, but in a nearby subdivision.

A special investigation team was formed led by PRO4A Regional Director Chief Superintendent Gil Meneses to look into the incident, Cruz said.

A parallel administrative and criminal investigation was also launched by the Internal Affairs Service and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, he said.

“Investigation is underway to establish an air-tight case against the suspects for violation of Republic Act 9745 or the Anti-Hazing Law and for Grave Misconduct under PNP rules,” Cruz said.

“The video clips presented before the CHR speak for themselves and clearly establish the culpability of those involved,” he said.