Elements of the Baguio City Police Office Station 8 arrested four construction workers for butchering a dog at Youngland, Camp 7, Baguio City on September 23, 2025. They are facing a criminal case for violation of Republic Act 8485, also known as the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, as amended by Republic Act 10631.
Fernan Abansi Florida, Romeo Compra Alos, Elmer Mangay-op Anongos, and Jun Maduro Javier are presently detained after undergoing inquest proceedings.
On September 23, 2025, the police responded to a report about a dog being dragged. The police officers saw the suspects in the act of burning the dog with the use of a butane torch. One of the suspects told the police officers that the dog was killed in accordance with an ongoing ritual.
Returning to the police station, the police called Amadeo B. Degay of Furvent Animal Rescue and Advocacy, a group of Baguio-based animal welfare advocates, after learning that he reported the same incident. Heeding Degay’s advice, the law enforcers returned to the scene of the crime to investigate whether a ritual was indeed taking place. One of the suspects admitted that the dog was slaughtered for pulutan and not for ritual purposes. Javier admitted that he owned the dog.
The responding police confiscated pieces of evidence, including the remains of the animal. The Baguio City Veterinary and Agriculture Office certified that the carcass belongs to a dog.
Animal cruelty resulting in the death of an animal is punishable with imprisonment of up to (2) years and/or a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00). The penalty is two (2) years and one (1) day to three (3) years imprisonment and/or a fine not exceeding Two hundred fifty thousand pesos (P250,000.00) shall be imposed if (1) a syndicate commits the offense; (2) an offender who makes business out of cruelty to an animal; (3) a public officer or employee; or (4) where at least three (3) animals are involved.
Degay reiterated his call for witnesses to immediately report any animal cruelty or neglect to the nearest police station. “Every second is crucial”, Degay said. “The main objective is to save the animal.”
Degay also stated that the barangay plays a crucial role in enforcing the Animal Welfare Act and related laws and regulations. He said that under DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2024-126, each barangay shall appoint an animal welfare enforcement officer who, together with the Philippine National Police, has the power to receive complaints on animal abuse, cruelty and/or any violations of the Animal Welfare Act, respond and rescue animal cruelty cases, report such animal welfare violations to the nearest Local PNP Animal Welfare Desk, and where necessary, take custody of rescued animals.
Each barangay is directed to establish a Barangay Animal Welfare Committee (BAWRC) which, in coordination with the Philippine National Police, shall enforce all laws and regulations on the prevention of cruelty to animals and promotion of their welfare in the barangay.
Also, Degay stated that there are still restaurants that serve dog meat, some discreetly to known customers and others openly. He said he received evidence consisting of photographs and video.
Meanwhile, in a meeting of police officers, Degay made an emotional appeal to Benguet Provincial Director Police Colonel Lambert A. Suerte to make the province “a place where citizens and animals coexist harmoniously” under his watch. Degay told Suerte that animal welfare regulations are among the most frequently ignored or neglected criminal laws. Contributory to this is the lack of familiarity with these laws, prompting Degay to offer his free services should the Benguet Provincial Police Office need resource speakers to lecture on animal welfare laws. Suerte promised to communicate with Degay regarding his concern.
Degay also recalled that in October 2024, Furvent wrote then Regional Director of Police Regional Office-Cordillera Police Brigadier General David Peredo, to request the strict implementation of animal welfare laws. Acting favorably, PRO-Cordillera issued a directive directing all police units and personnel in the Cordillera Administrative Region to enforce and familiarize themselves with animal welfare laws strictly. **
