3 cops face raps for hazing of rookie officer in Isabela

MANILA – Criminal complaints have been filed against three police officers involved in the alleged hazing of a rookie in Isabela province, a ranking official of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday.

PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) chief Brig. Gen. Warren de Leon said the three unnamed police officers were slapped with complaints for violation of the Anti-Hazing law before the Isabela Provincial Prosecutors Office for allegedly mauling Pat. Jeremy Matthew Padilla on May 24.

"Kapag napatunayan na sila ay naging guilty doon sa Anti-Hazing law, ‘yun na ‘yung reclusion perpetua. Makulong sila ng up to 30 years at meron pa silang penalty. Magbabayad sila ng PHP2 million dahil doon sa kaso na yun (If they are found guilty of the Anti-Hazing law, they would be meted with reclusion perpetua. They can be jailed up to 30 years and they would also slapped with penalties. They would be fined PHP2 million for that offense)," he added.

De Leon said the pre-charge investigation on the administrative complaint of grave misconduct against the three police officers has started.

Meanwhile, he said the officers' company commander would be investigated for administrative charges over the principle of command responsibility.

“Hindi siya na-isama kasi based sa statement ng complainant, nagsumbong siya kaya lang walang ginawang aksyon (He was not included because based on the statement of the complainant, he reported the matter but there was no action taken)," De Leon added.

He said they do not have evidence yet that the company commander witnessed the actual hazing so an administrative case would suffice for now.

Based on the report, the suspects allegedly punched Padilla in various parts of the body and hit him with a wooden paddle during an action drill in Barangay Macalauat in Angadanan town. The victim's face was also covered with a wet cloth.

Based on the medical report, the victim sustained multiple physical injuries secondary to mauling, including hematoma in the right upper quadrant of his abdomen; hematomas on the anterior and posterior aspects of his right thigh; hematoma on his left forearm; and abrasions on both knees. (PNA)