Army man linked to viral dog slaughter video faces demotion, charges

MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine Army soldier has been relieved of his duties and faces possible demotion and formal charges over an alleged animal cruelty incident involving the slaughter of a dog that was recorded and posted on social media.

Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the soldier assigned to the 1st Infantry Division had been relieved of his duties pending the resolution of an administrative case.

“The minimum would be demotion from his rank,” Dema-ala said in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

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The soldier is currently at the division’s headquarters while awaiting the outcome of the investigation.

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Animal welfare group Strategic Power for Animal Respondents Philippines earlier identified the soldier as Pfc. Alexander John E. Ruiz, also known online as “Jay Ziur,” in an Oct. 26 Facebook post calling for accountability over the incident.

The group said it received information about the soldier from individuals who claimed to know him after the case was initially reported to Bataan Animal Welfare.

It urged military authorities to verify the allegations and investigate the incident, which it referred to using the hashtag #ZamboDog.

The video circulating on social media showed a man slaughtering a dog by slitting its neck with a knife.

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Dema-ala said complainants could also pursue criminal charges against the soldier outside the military organization.

“The Philippine Army strongly condemns any act of animal cruelty,” he said.

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“Any personnel found responsible will face appropriate administrative and disciplinary sanctions, as well as any applicable legal consequences, in accordance with existing laws and regulations,” he added.

The Army also vowed to hold personnel accountable for misconduct while observing due process.

Meanwhile, Dema-ala said the Army had recorded more than 300 violations of its social media policy, with investigations still underway.

Of these, 24 personnel have been sanctioned for various violations, he said.

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The Army has also stepped up reminders to its personnel about complying with its social media policy following the incident. /gsg