PNP bares possible charges in dumping of animal remains in Bulacan

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday bared the possible criminal charges against those responsible for the dumping of remains of 29 dogs and cats in a vacant lot in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

In a statement, the PNP said those who may be held liable could face the following cases:

• estafa under Article 315(2)(a) of the Revised Penal Code
• syndicated estafa
• violations of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines
• violations of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act
• violations of the Consumer Act of the Philippines

Affected customers may also pursue civil claims for damages.

The decomposing remains of dogs and cats were found sealed in plastic bags and dumped along a road in Barangay Minuyan Proper in San Jose del Monte.

The animal remains were allegedly dumped following a suspected fraudulent operation involving a pet crematorium in Bacoor City, Cavite.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. urged pet owners who may have been victimized by the establishment to formally file complaints and submit evidence.

Affected customers are advised to preserve and submit receipts, cremation certificates, transaction records, and other relevant documents that could help establish possible violations of the law.

Nartatez directed police units in Bulacan and Cavite to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies and assist in identifying the individuals who allegedly transported and dumped the animal remains.

Investigators are examining the establishment's business permits, equipment, CCTV footage, and procedures for handling pets entrusted to the facility.

Forensic examinations will also be conducted to determine whether the recovered remains belonged to animals brought to the crematorium and whether the ashes returned to their owners were authentic.

Concerned police offices were also directed to coordinate with barangay officials and local government units to secure and review CCTV footage along the suspected route of the white van reportedly used in the dumping.

"Any form of deception that exploits the trust of grieving pet owners is deeply concerning and must be addressed with the full force of the law," Nartatez said. —VAL, GMA News