I strongly condemn the reported dumping of deceased dogs and cats in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, allegedly involving a pet cremation service provider. The circumstances surrounding this incident are deeply disturbing and demand immediate investigation and accountability.

Our pets are cherished members of our families. For their owners, entrusting their remains to a cremation service is a final act of love and respect. To allegedly exploit that trust, collect payment for services that may not have been rendered, and discard their remains without dignity is unconscionable.

I call on the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police, and other concerned authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, identify those responsible, and pursue appropriate criminal charges wherever the evidence warrants. Those who deliberately deceive grieving pet owners must be held accountable under the law.

This incident also raises serious concerns about the regulation and oversight of pet cremation and aftercare services. I call on the Department of Agriculture, through the Bureau of Animal Industry, together with the Departments of the Interior and Local Government, Environment and Natural Resources, Health, and Trade and Industry, to examine existing safeguards, investigate possible regulatory violations, and ensure that these establishments operate lawfully and responsibly. We must strengthen the standards governing these services to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

Sa mga pamilyang nawalan ng kanilang minamahal na alaga, nakikiisa ako sa inyong dalamhati at galit. Hindi dapat samantalahin ang inyong pagtitiwala, lalo na sa ganitong pagkakataon. Karapatan ninyong malaman ang katotohanan at makamit ang katarungan.

Compassion for animals does not end with their passing. We owe them dignity, and we owe their families honesty, respect, and accountability.