Hero dog Kabang, owner get brand new house in Zamboanga

The local government of Zamboanga presented a brand new house and lot to Philippine hero dog Kabang and her owner Rudy Bunggal.

Their new home is part of the resettlement area in Zamboanga, according to a report of JP Soriano for GMA Network's “24 Oras” newscast on Thursday.



Compared to Mang Rudy's former home, a small shanty located behind a gasoline station, the new house is larger, made of concrete, has a stable roof and is located in a more pleasant environment.

Kabang's Filipino veterinarian Dr. Anthony Lim gave positive feedback upon visiting the humble house.

“It's a very decent housing... all he has to do is to take good care of Kabang,” Lim said.

According to the local government, they will be shouldering the rent and whatever expenses are incurred for repairs needed on the house.

They also noted that Mang Rudy qualified for this housing program because he is an informal settler.

“Nagpasalamat po ako sakanila at nabigyan ako ng lupa pati bahay,” Mang Rudy said, adding “Maganda pa doon magtanim tanim ng gulay.”

Meanwhile, some of their new neighbors expressed excitement over the news.

“Gusto namin makita si Kabang [dahil] siya daw ang nakaligtas sa dalawang bata,” exclaimed one neighbor.

Mang Rudy and Kabang are expected to move in by the end of June.

Kabang gained international renown after reportedly saving two young girls from being run over by a speeding motorcycle in 2011.

The accident left her disfigured with her snout and upper jaw being ripped off.

She was then brought to the United States to undergo facial reconstructive surgery with the help of the Facebook group Care for Kabang which spearheaded a donation drive.

After almost eight months of treatment and surgery, Kabang arrived in the Philippines on June 8 and was reunited with Mang Rudy.

Kabang was recognized as one of the most heroic dogs of 2012. She was also recently named the ambassador of “dogwill” in Zamboanga. - Andrei Medina, VVP, GMA News