CIDG, NGO raid a Pangasinan carinderia for selling dog meat

The PNP's Crime Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Pangasinan and a Sweden-based non-government organization (NGO) recovered several live dogs and dog meat on Thursday in an operation against illegal dog trading.

An exclusive report by GMA News' Emil Sumangil on "24 Oras" showed the sellers openly offering dog meat to an undercover policeman in a carinderia in San Fabian town, Pangasinan.

The CIDG Pangasinan, together with the Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF), started its operations after the policeman paid for the dog meat. The officials also found several dogs tied up and lying on the floor at the back of the carinderia.

AKF's Dr. Rene Dave Tacba said most of the dogs are already in trauma.

"Na-trauma na, tingnan mo yung mga paa namamaga na rin, kaya't kailangan na tanggalin," Tacba said.

Authorities and the AFK, an NGO against the slaughter of dogs, also found several kilograms of fresh dog meat set to be cooked.

The police arrested Rolando Reyes and his son, Patrick Romero, who buys live dogs for P500 each and sells them for about P2,000 after cooking.

Reyes explained he has resorted to selling dog meat since he has no alternative means of income.

"Senior citizen na ako sir wala akong hanap buhay. Ito lang, wala naman akong papakain sa pamilya ko kaya naggaganito ako," he said.

Asked if he doesn't feel sorry for the dogs they slaughter, Reyes replied: "Mas mahahabag ako sa pamilya ko."

Meanwhile, Romero explained he is only helping out his father even if he knows it's illegal.

"Tinutulungan ko lang po sir," Romero said.

Part of the raiding team was Swedish AKF representative Mikaela Bratt, who said, "I'm shocked, very shocked. But I want to see it in real, and I want to show these pictures to my Swedish friends, and i want them to support this."

SPO4 Joey Barlaan said Reyes and Romero will face multiple charges, including violation of the Animal Welfare Act.

"Marami silang nalabag na batas, katulad ng [Republic Act] 10651 yung Animal Welfare Act, at saka Anti-Rabies at saka yung sa meat inspection," Barlaan said.

The report said suspects found guilty of violating the Animal Welfare Act can face imprisonment of six months to two years and a fine of about P5,000.

Doctor Tacba reminded the public that consuming dog meat is not only prohibited, but also unsafe.

"Ang pagkain ng aso, hindi lang siya bawal. Kung 'di marumi din siya, hindi siya safe kainin talaga," Tacba said. — Joseph Tristan Roxas/BAP, GMA News