NBI to file estafa, waste management raps vs. pet crematorium operators; seeks ILBO

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The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is set to file complaints against individuals allegedly involved in the improper disposal of pet remains in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag on Friday said the agency's Environmental Crime Division (ENCD) has completed preparing the complaints and would submit them to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

"This morning, natapos na ng ating ENCD ang pagpapaghanda doon sa kasong ifa-file. And this morning, they will be going to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to file the charges," Matibag said.

The complaints involve alleged estafa and violations of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. The NBI is also looking into possible violations of the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

Matibag said five of the 25 complainants already completed their paperwork with the NBI. Other individuals reportedly filed their complaints with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bacoor, Cavite.

The NBI is also seeking an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against three individuals under investigation in connection with the case.

In a letter dated November 5 and addressed to Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, the NBI requested an ILBO against three individuals.

They are being investigated over the discovery of 25 animal remains, consisting of three cats and 22 dogs, inside plastic bags and sacks in a vacant lot in Barangay Minuyan Proper, San Jose del Monte.

Initial investigation showed that some of the animal remains bore identification tags and weight markings reportedly traceable to a pet crematorium operated or managed by the individuals.

The NBI said the requested ILBO would allow the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to monitor and record the individuals' international travel movements to ensure their availability amid probe and possible legal proceedings.

Matibag said the alleged scheme involved a pet crematorium in Bacoor that had supposedly arranged for another facility in Bulacan to handle the cremation of animals.

The arrangement allegedly stemmed from the failure of a couple to deliver a cremation machine to the Bacoor facility despite receiving partial payment.

The Bacoor operator supposedly agreed to send the pet remains to the couple's facility in Bulacan for cremation.

However, as the volume of remains increased, the couple allegedly contracted individuals to dispose of the animals instead of cremating them.

"Kaya kung maalala niyo, tatlong sites 'yung pinagdalhan niyan. So 'yun 'yung mga sites kung saan-saan na instead binaon 'yung mga supposed to be na-crinemate na mga pets," he said.

(So if you remember, there were three sites where the remains were dumped. So those are the sites where the remains, which were supposed to be buried, were dumped instead of being buried.)

Matibag said both the Bacoor and Bulacan parties appeared to have liabilities as investigators believe both sides knew about and agreed to the arrangement.

The NBI is also looking into how the establishments obtained occupancy and business permits despite allegedly lacking the necessary equipment to operate a pet crematorium.

Matibag said the agency would ask the concerned local government units to explain how the permits were issued. — VDV, GMA News