MANILA, Philippines, Feb. 11, 2026 — The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that the battalion commander implicated in the viral hazing incident in Lamitan, Basilan allegedly gave verbal instructions to officers who carried out the initiation rites against newly assigned policemen.

According to affidavits from victims and witnesses, Colonel Joel Estaris, commander of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-B, issued orders that led to the hazing. Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño, PNP spokesperson, said Estaris may not have physically harmed the recruits himself but was present during the incident.

“Bagamat hindi natin nakuha yung mga individual na specific na instructions ng ating force commander, pinagpapalagay natin na ang lahat ng utos ito ay nanggaling sa kanya, base na rin sa kanyang puwesto at sa kanyang designation bilang force commander,” Tuaño explained.

The hazing, which involved more than 100 recruits, included physical punishments such as duck-walking, rolling on the ground, and being struck with wooden sticks after completing a training course in Barangay Ubit, Lamitan. The incident sparked outrage after videos circulated online, prompting the PNP to relieve the entire battalion from their posts.

Criminal complaints have already been filed against 54 officers of the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO BARMM) in connection with the scandal. PNP Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. reiterated the institution’s zero-tolerance policy against hazing, warning that personnel found to have participated or facilitated such activities face dismissal and criminal liability. 

“As an institution, the PNP enforces a zero-tolerance policy against hazing,” Nartatez said, stressing that commanders and personnel must strictly comply with anti-hazing laws.

The case has drawn widespread condemnation, with calls for accountability not only among rank-and-file officers but also within the chain of command. The DOJ is expected to review the charges, while the PNP continues its internal investigation to determine the extent of Estaris’ responsibility. 

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