A wave of outrage swept through Basilan province last week following reports of a brutal initiation ritual inflicted upon 114 newly recruited police officers in Lamitan City. The “reception rite,” as it’s been described, left many recruits injured and sparked immediate condemnation from local leaders.
Brigadier General Jaysen C. De Guzman, director of the Bangsamoro regional police, personally traveled to Lamitan City to launch a full investigation. He vowed swift and decisive action, stating that those responsible – including negligent supervisors – would face both administrative penalties and criminal charges.
The victims were recent additions to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 14, a rapid deployment unit within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region police force. Notably, the majority of these recruits hailed from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, former combatants integrated into the police force following the 2014 peace agreement.
This integration, a cornerstone of the truce, aimed to build trust and stability within the region. The violent initiation rite, however, represents a stark betrayal of that spirit and a dangerous setback for ongoing peace efforts.
Reports indicate the initiation involved severe physical abuse, including beatings and whippings with sticks. Two recruits reportedly lost consciousness and required immediate hospitalization. Numerous others sustained contusions and lacerations across their bodies.
The perpetrators, senior members of RMFB 14, are currently detained and awaiting administrative proceedings. The incident has ignited a fierce debate about discipline, accountability, and the challenges of integrating former combatants into the established police structure.
The regional police headquarters, located just 40 kilometers from Cotabato City, is now grappling with the fallout from this disturbing event. The focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
