KALIBO, Aklan – The National Police Commission (Napolcom) in Western Visayas is investigating an alleged hazing of a rookie policeman in Aklan.
Regional Director Joseph Celis said the policeman personally appeared last week at the Napolcom regional office to complain.
“We welcome his complaint. This shows the policeman’s trust and confidence in Napolcom to conduct an investigation,” Celis said.
Celis identified the policemen facing investigation as Patrolman Ritchel Tolentino, Police Corporal Richie Lustica, Patrolman Christian Solanoy, Police Corporal Roque Lurca, and Patrolman Ruel Cuales.
The complainant was Patrolman Rommel Magsusi.
“Nagreklamo ang pulis gin-sapute siya. May practice na pag-abot mo sa mobile unit, may reception sila sa imu. This is tantamount to violation of the anti-hazing law,” Celis added.
Republic Act No. 8049 (An Act Regulating Hazing and Other Forms of Initiation Rites in Fraternities, Sororities and Other Organizations) defines hazing as an initiation rite or practice as a prerequisite for admission into membership by placing the applicant or neophyte in some embarrassing situations such as subjecting him to physical or psychological suffering or injury.
The five policemen appeared on May 18 before the Napolcom office in Iloilo City for initial investigation. They may face administrative and criminal charges.
They were relieved from their posts at the 2nd Aklan Provincial Mobile Company (APMC) in Buruanga town and were transferred to the 1st APMC in Libacao, Aklan pending the in-depth investigation of the incident.
Celis reminded police units to stop conducting “receptions” to neophyte police officers.
As of Dec. 31, 2020, the Napolcom reported 82 police officers with administrative cases (pre-charge)./PN
