MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has identified several possible criminal charges against individuals allegedly involved in the disposal of the remains of 29 dogs and cats in a vacant lot in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
In a statement on Tuesday, the PNP said those who may be found responsible could face charges of estafa under Article 315(2)(a) of the Revised Penal Code, syndicated estafa, and violations of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, and the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
Customers who may have been affected by the alleged operation may also pursue civil claims for damages.
The decomposing remains of the animals were discovered inside sealed plastic bags dumped along a road in Barangay Minuyan Proper, San Jose del Monte.
Authorities are looking into a suspected fraudulent operation involving a pet crematorium in Bacoor City, Cavite, which allegedly led to the improper disposal of the animals’ remains.
PNP URGES AFFECTED PET OWNERS TO FILE COMPLAINTS
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. called on pet owners who may have been victimized by the establishment to formally report their complaints and provide supporting evidence.
Affected customers were advised to keep and submit receipts, cremation certificates, transaction records, and other documents that could help investigators establish possible violations.
Nartatez also directed police units in Bulacan and Cavite to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies to identify those who allegedly transported and dumped the animal remains.
“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,” he said.
POLICE INVESTIGATE CREMATORIUM OPERATIONS
Investigators are examining the establishment’s business permits, equipment, closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, and procedures for handling animals entrusted to the facility.
Forensic examinations will also be conducted to determine whether the recovered remains belong to pets brought to the crematorium and whether the ashes previously returned to customers were authentic.
Police offices have likewise been instructed to coordinate with barangay officials and local government units to obtain and review CCTV footage along the suspected route of the white van reportedly used to transport and dump the remains.
INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED PET CREMATORIUM FRAUD
The discovery of the 29 animal remains prompted an investigation into the operations of a pet crematorium in Bacoor City, Cavite. Authorities are looking into whether customers who paid for cremation services received the ashes of their pets or whether the animals’ remains were disposed of improperly.
The investigation involves both the alleged deception of pet owners and possible violations concerning sanitation, waste disposal, and consumer protection.
The PNP is gathering documentary, physical, and forensic evidence to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those who may be held accountable. The possible charges remain subject to the findings of the investigation and the filing of appropriate cases.