NBI probes pet crematorium after 29 animals dumped in Bulacan

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will conduct a comprehensive investigation into incidents involving Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium in Bacoor City, Cavite, following the discovery of 29 deceased dogs and cats allegedly dumped at a vacant lot in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said Monday.

The 29 dead animals, packed into several large sacks, were reportedly dumped at the vacant lot in Barangay Minuyan Proper early Thursday morning, October 29, by still unidentified individuals riding a white van.

Matibag said in a statement that he directed several NBI divisions—led by the Environmental Crimes Division—and all of their regional offices in Calabarzon and Central Luzon to look into the incident.

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READ: Cavite pet crematorium may have falsely claimed past cremations

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The investigation will look into possible estafa charges under Article 315(2)(a) of the Revised Penal Code, particularly in cases where pet owners paid for cremation services that were allegedly not performed.

Investigators will also examine the crematorium’s business permits, equipment, CCTV footage and procedures for handling the remains of pets entrusted to the facility.

The NBI will coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine National Police and concerned local government units to inspect similar facilities, following a recommendation from the Philippine Animal Welfare Society.

Matibag said the bureau would use forensic examinations and other scientific methods to determine whether the recovered remains belonged to pets brought to the crematorium and whether the ashes returned to their owners could be authenticated.

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“Ako po, bilang isang pet lover din, ay nakakaunawa at nakikiramay sa mga naging biktima sa mapanlinlang na gawaing ito. Hindi katanggap-tanggap na ang tiwalang binigay, kasama ang perang pinaghirapan, ng bawat pet owner ay sinuklian ng panloloko. Sa halip na maayos na cremation ay tinapon na parang basura,” Matibag said.

READ: All dead pets dumped in Bulacan claimed by owners – rescue group

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(I, as a pet lover myself, understand and sympathize with those who have fallen victim to this fraudulent practice. It is unacceptable that the trust given, including the money they worked hard for, by every pet owner was repaid with fraud. Instead of a proper cremation, it was thrown away like garbage.)

“Hindi lang ito failure of service—ito ay grave betrayal of public trust,” he added.

(This is not just a failure of service—it is a grave betrayal of public trust.)

Matibag then encouraged affected pet owners to come forward and submit evidence, such as their receipts, cremation certificates, and other relevant communications, to the NBI headquarters in Pasay City to assist in the case buildup.

“Sisiguruhin ng NBI na ang usaping ito ay maiimbestigahan nang masusi at ang mga karampatang kaso ay isasampa na naayon sa ebidensya,” he said.

(The NBI will ensure that this matter is thoroughly investigated and appropriate charges are filed based on the evidence.)

The Inquirer reached out to the pet crematorium but had yet to receive a response as of posting time.

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Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla earlier ordered the closure of Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium amid complaints from pet owners following the incident. /ms