THE PNP has launched an investigation into alleged hazing allegedly perpetrated by three cops during training in Isabela, resulting in injuries to a policeman.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said the PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) is leading the investigation.
The victim, Patrolman Jeremy Matthew Padilla of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-Cagayan Valley, sustained injuries during the alleged hazing in training in Angadanan town last May 24.
Reports said the victim was hospitalized after he was reportedly punched in various parts of his body and hit with a wooden paddle.
Fajardo said the commanding officer of Padilla claimed the policeman ran outside the camp during an “immediate action drill.” She said Padilla’s commanding officer denied the occurrence of hazing during the training.
Fajardo said Padilla’s classmates pursued Padilla but failed to catch up with him.
She said Padilla’s classmates have executed an affidavit claiming no hazing that took place.
“No less than his classmates said there was no hazing that happened,” said Fajardo.
Of the three policemen implicated by Padilla in the alleged hazing, Fajardo said only one was present during the training. He said the policeman also denied subjecting Padilla to hazing.
“But just the same, this is being investigated by IMEG,” said Fajardo.
“It’s possible he is low morale, that’s why he left (the training),” Fajardo, referring to Padilla who was assigned to the battalion only recently.
As to the injuries of Padilla, Fajardo said it was possible the bruises were sustained during the training.
Nevertheless, Fajardo said the incident is subject to an ongoing investigation “to determine what really happened, why he ran out of the camp and did not finish the training.”
Fajardo said the PNP would proceed with the investigation even amid the pronouncement of Padilla’s commanding officer and his classmates that no hazing transpired.
“Just the same, we will not stop there. We are going to conduct a thorough investigation. IMEG has entered the picture. It will determine the possible liability of officers who rendered and conducted the training,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo vowed there would be whitewash or cover-up.
Fajardo said any policeman who will be found involved in the alleged hazing will face criminal charges, including violation of the anti-hazing law.
If Padilla is found to have lied about his claim, Fajardo said he may face charges criminal and administrative charges.
