Army personnel in viral dog-killing video relieved, faces admin case

MANILA — The Philippine Army said Tuesday it had relieved a soldier seen killing a dog in a viral video. 

Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the soldier, assigned to the First Infantry Division (1ID), was at the division headquarters pending the final disposition of his case.

“’Yung sundalo… is now undergoing ang kanyang administrative case. The minimum would be demotion from his rank. While doing that, hindi pa rin natin inaalis ang complainants to file a criminal case outside the organization,” the official told reporters in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“We have also been warning ‘yung ating mga sundalo by enhancing ‘yung Philippine Army social media policy. As of now, we have recorded more than 300 violations and ongoing lahat ‘yung investigations natin. Out of the 300 violations, we have 24 personnel na na-sanction with various violations,” he added.

A viral video showed the soldier killing a dog by slitting its throat with a knife.

Animal welfare group Strategic Power for Animal Respondents (SPAR) Philippines said the soldier in the video is known online as “Jay Ziur.”

In an Oct. 26 Facebook post, the group sought accountability for the incident.

The Army said it “will not tolerate misconduct and will ensure that those found guilty are held fully accountable, with due process observed.”