More animal carcasses found in San Juan del Monte; police, LGU continue probe
MANILA — Another dumping site was uncovered in a heavily vegetated portion of a vacant lot along Muzon Bypass Road— covering Barangays Muzon Proper and Muzon West in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan—where the remains of several animals were found scattered across the area.
The discovery was met with a foul smell, flies, and the remains of animals that had already decomposed, burned, or been reduced to bones.
The San Jose del Monte City Police Station said it continues to investigate the series of animal dumping incidents reported in different barangays across the city.
Authorities have already identified the individuals allegedly responsible for ordering and carrying out the disposal of animal carcasses discovered last week in Barangay Minuyan Proper.
“Yung sa Minuyan Proper lang na kung saan nga nakarecover tayo ng 25 na remains nung fur babies, yun po yung may connect, may malinaw na connect doon po sa Ahjay Pet Crematorium,” said PLtCol. Nelson Mabuti Sardin, San Jose Del Monte City Police chief.
Charges have also been filed in connection with the incident for alleged violations of several local and national laws, including Municipal Ordinance 22A-10-29 or Isang Malawak at Komprehensibong Pamamahala ng Basura sa Lungsod ng SJDM; City Ordinance No. 2020-048-09 Prohibition of Dumping of Animal Carcasses in Public Places; Presidential Decree 856, or the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines; and Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
Police also identified the person who was allegedly instructed to dispose of the animal remains in the barangay as a witness in the case.
“Pinapaigting namin yung paraan kung paano mapigilan yung mga pagtatapon na ito kung saan-saan. Kaya nga, lahat ng mga pulis natin nakipag-ugnayan na sa mga barangay captains at yung mga barangay captains naman nag commit na magsasagawa rin sila ng kanilang initiatives para mapigilan yung mga nagtatapon nito,” Sardin said.
Based on the data of the LGU at least 80 animal carcasses have been discovered in several barangays across San Jose del Monte.
Number of Animal Remains Recovered:
Minuyan Proper – 25
Minuyan IV – 33
Minuyan V – 14 (9 buried, 5 for retrieval)
Gayagaya – 9
Muzon East – 3
According to San Jose del Monte City Mayor Florida Robes, the City Health Office, City Veterinary Office, and CENTRO immediately looked into the incident of dumped carcasses.
The LGU has ensured that the recovered animal remains were properly buried in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
“Chineck agad yung lugar then they sanitized it. Meaning to say, pinakuha agad namin yung mga aso. Wala naman kaming inapprove dito na pet crematorium. Actually, we denied all the applicants. Kasi, yung mga nag-aapply satin, nandun sa heavy populated areas,” Mayor Florida P. Robes said.
The Local Chief Executive also issued a stern warning to individuals who may be planning to dump animal carcasses within the city.
“Warning ito po sa lahat ng gagawin niyo pa, at may balak pang magtapon dito sa ating lungsod. Nakasuhan na po namin yung gumawa non at pag ito po ay naulit pa, additional kaso na naman ito sa mga gagawa nito. Huwag niyo po kami subukan,” Robes said.
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help protect animals and prevent the city from becoming a dumping ground for animal remains.