Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director general Gregorio Catapang Jr. has ordered an investigation into reports of alleged animal cruelty at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

Catapang announced the probe Thursday, stressing a zero-tolerance policy toward the mistreatment of animals within the facility.

Bureau officials cited that many inmates, particularly those who do not receive visitors, rely on animals for emotional support and companionship.

The investigation follows claims from the Animal Kingdom Foundation, which reported receiving accounts of maltreatment involving cats inside the prison. Heidi Marquez-Caguioa, the foundation’s president and program director, has proposed integrating an animal-assisted program into the inmates’ rehabilitation framework.

Catapang said the bureau would review the proposal.

In response to previous concerns regarding cat bites and scratches, the agency partnered with the local government of Muntinlupa and the Biyaya Foundation to manage the stray population through vaccination and castration programs.

Rina Ortiz, CEO and co-founder of the Biyaya Foundation, said her organization has worked inside the prison for three years and has not witnessed any signs of abuse.

“We have been on the ground at the NBP and we haven’t seen any thin or sick animals, so I’m not sure what this is all about,” Ortiz said in a television interview. She invited those making the allegations to provide evidence so the foundation could address any potential gaps in care.

Bureau officials said maintaining the health of the animal population is essential for the safety of both the animals and the inmates.