A reward has been put on the table in hopes of identifying the person responsible for the brutal mutilation of a dog found in Valenzuela City, after authorities and animal welfare advocates failed to secure eyewitness accounts.
Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced he is personally offering P100,000 for information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of the individual behind the abuse of a dog named Kobe, whose tongue was completely severed. The incident came to light after the dog was discovered bleeding along Aratiles Street in Barangay Balangkas earlier this week.
In a video shared on Friday, Gatchalian drew public attention to the case, describing the circumstances surrounding Kobe’s discovery and calling on residents to help identify those involved. The dog was later rushed to a veterinary clinic, where he remains in critical condition, according to the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).
PAWS denounced the incident in strong terms, highlighting the severity of the injury. “A dog’s tongue is one of the most difficult parts to cut off. If this was indeed someone’s doing, a mutilation like this could only have been a calculated, sadistic act of cruelty — an extreme and deliberate crime,” the group said.
With no witnesses stepping forward, PAWS Executive Director Atty. Anna Cabrera appealed to Gatchalian for assistance. The former Valenzuela mayor, who served the city for nine years, said the case struck a personal chord.
“As a small reward for information that could help resolve this case, I will personally commit P100,000. This is a personal appeal because I cannot stomach this kind of brutal act committed against our pets in Valenzuela City,” Gatchalian said in Filipino.
He emphasized that the reward would only be released if the information provided directly contributes to identifying and holding the perpetrator accountable. “The reward will be given if the information can be used to hold the culprit accountable in this case,” he added.
Gatchalian also encouraged individuals with credible leads to reach out directly to PAWS through its official Facebook page.
In a separate update, PAWS said its representative has already met with Kobe’s fur parent, Rodlee Zuluet, who has entrusted the handling of the case to the organization. “PAWS and Rodlee will work to find out what happened to Kobe and hold anyone responsible accountable,” the group said, adding that tips may also be sent to 0905 401 2235, the PAWS Legal Coordinator for Cruelty Cases.
