NBI files estafa against pet crematorium owner, three others

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed criminal complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday against the owner of a pet crematorium and three other individuals over the alleged illegal disposal of dead dogs and cats in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

The NBI-Environmental Crime Division (NBI-ECD) filed the complaints following an investigation into the facility's alleged failure to properly cremate the remains entrusted to it by pet owners.

The respondents initially face charges of estafa and violations of Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, among other possible offenses.

The initial filing covers six of the 25 cases currently being investigated by the bureau.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the first batch of complaints was supported by evidence and sworn statements from six pet owners who reported the alleged fraud.

"We have gathered the necessary statements, so we are filing charges initially based on what has already been established," Matibag said, adding that additional complaints would be filed as investigators process the remaining cases.

The controversy stemmed from the discovery of sacks containing the remains of deceased dogs and cats dumped in Bulacan, prompting public outrage and an NBI investigation into the crematorium's operations.

Affected pet owners had paid the facility for individual cremation services to ensure their pets received a dignified farewell.

However, the NBI investigation found allegations that the facility failed to carry out the promised cremation services and instead disposed of the animal remains in sacks in public areas.

The bureau continues to receive complaints from affected clients and urged other possible victims to come forward as it prepares to file complaints covering the remaining 19 cases.