The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday filed criminal complaints against four individuals, including three owners of a pet crematorium in Bacoor City, Cavite, for allegedly dumping animal remains instead of providing cremation services.
The NBI filed complaints for estafa and violations of Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, before the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Investigators alleged that the crematorium had been accepting animal remains despite lacking the necessary equipment to perform cremation services.
Instead of cremating the animals, the establishment allegedly transported their remains through a courier service to Bulacan, where they were dumped in vacant lots.
The NBI identified three disposal sites where animal carcasses were found inside separate bags bearing the names and corresponding weights of the animals.
According to investigators, the alleged practice had been ongoing for at least a year.
The bureau also requested the issuance of an Immigration Lookout Bulletin covering the four respondents to monitor any possible attempt to leave the country.
The complaints will undergo evaluation by the DOJ to determine whether they should proceed to preliminary investigation or require further case-building by law enforcement authorities.
Meanwhile, the NBI encouraged pet owners and other individuals who may have been affected by the alleged scheme to come forward and file complaints.
The respondents have yet to be found criminally liable, and the allegations remain subject to investigation and appropriate legal proceedings.
