NBI to file raps vs Cavite pet crematorium

MANILA, Philippines —  The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will file six cases before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against a pet crematorium in Bacoor, Cavite, after finding evidence that the business allegedly buried animals entrusted to it for cremation.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said yesterday that the six cases involve pet owners who have come forward to file complaints, out of 25 identified customers whose animals were reportedly dumped in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

“We already have sufficient evidence to file the cases before the prosecution, and the evidence is strong,” Matibag said during a press briefing.

He said investigators established that Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium had been sending animals to a crematorium in San Jose del Monte because it did not have the equipment to carry out the cremations in Bacoor.

The couple operating the Bulacan facility voluntarily gave sworn statements to the NBI, with the assistance of their lawyer. They reportedly said they buried the animals because the promised cremation equipment had not been delivered.

Investigators have identified three dumping sites in San Jose del Monte, Matibag said, adding that the ashes supposedly returned to pet owners were not actually produced through cremation.

The NBI is also looking into the possible liability of other people and how the Bacoor business was able to secure permits and operate for more than a year despite its alleged lack of cremation facilities.

Matibag said the bureau was preparing to seek the issuance of an immigration lookout bulletin order against a primary person involved to prevent that person from leaving the country.

He urged other affected pet owners to come forward, assuring them that the NBI would provide assistance if they feared intimidation.

Aside from possible estafa, investigators are looking into violations of the Consumer Act and health and sanitation laws, Matibag said.

In San Fernando, Pampanga 1st district Rep. Carmelo Lazatin Jr. wants all pet crematoriums operating or intending to operate in municipalities and cities to secure accreditation from the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI), through House Bill No. 11784 filed Wednesday.

To be known as the “Pet Crematorium Accreditation Act,” HB 11784 states that no city or municipality shall issue or renew the business permit of a pet crematorium unless the applicant presents proof of valid DA-BAI accreditation, along with all other permits, clearances, registration, and authorizations required under applicable national and local laws.

“Pets are not just domesticated animals. They become part of the family and beloved by their owners, and it is just right that they are accorded proper burial or cremation services when they pass away,” Lazatin said.

abtestabtest Sara, Leni gap narrows – OCTA By Janvic Mateo | 1 day ago The gap between Vice President Sara Duterte and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo in a hypothetical presidential matchup in 2028... Headlines Sotto seeks stricter Senate rules on prolonged absences By Alyana Uy | 1 day ago Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente "Tito" Sotto has filed a resolution seeking clearer rules on the prolonged... Headlines Rules on absent senators sought By Marc Jayson Cayabyab | 1 day ago Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente Sotto III has filed a resolution seeking definitive rules to address the absences of... Headlines Stricter transport safety, security checks sought By Helen Flores | 6 days ago Senate committee on public services chairman Sen. Raffy Tulfo has urged agencies to ensure the safety of millions of people... Headlines OSG to SC: Junk Padilla, Go petition By Ghio Ong | 1 day ago The Senate impeachment court called on the Supreme Court  to throw out the petition from two senators who challenged an earlier ruling to lower the voting threshold to convict Vice President Sara Duterte. ... Headlines Latest More in Headlines Romualdez has personal staff in jail – warden Speaker rejects corruption claims in budget process Delon Porcalla ‘Very strong’ El Niño prevailing, to persist until 2027 Philippines eyes acquisition of more BrahMos missiles abtest Marcos Jr.: No room for corruption in disaster rehab By Alexis Romero | 21 minutes ago The “full force of the law” would be applied to those taking advantage of other peoples’ miseries to enrich themselves, President Marcos said yesterday, as he strongly urged local governments... Headlines Marcos to maintain enabling environment for energy cause By Alexis Romero | 21 minutes ago President Marcos has vowed to maintain an enabling environment for energy exploration investments as he witnessed the first... Headlines ‘Class suspensions to be based on data’ By Evelyn Macairan | 21 minutes ago The Department of Education is finalizing a comprehensive Joint Memorandum Circular to establish operational guidelines for... Headlines Philippines embassy in Washington hopes for immigration policy changes By Pia Lee-Brago | 21 minutes ago The Philippines’ top diplomat in Washington hopes for changes in the United States’ immigration policy after the... Headlines VP defense seeks subpoena for 24 witnesses By Marc Jayson Cayabyab | 21 minutes ago The Senate impeachment court has been asked by the defense camp to subpoena 24 witnesses for the resumption of Vice President... Headlines Recommended OSG to SC: Junk Padilla, Go petition November 5, 2026 - 12:00am The Senate impeachment court called on the Supreme Court  to throw out the petition from two senators who challenged an earlier ruling to lower the voting threshold to convict Vice President Sara Duterte. ...r HeadlinesBONG GOOSGPADILLA Rules on absent senators sought 1 day ago Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente Sotto III has filed a resolution seeking definitive rules to address the absences of... HeadlinesICCSENATE Sara, Leni gap narrows – OCTA 1 day ago The gap between Vice President Sara Duterte and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo in a hypothetical presidential matchup in 2028... HeadlinesLENI ROBREDO Chris Pappas to become first openly gay male US senator 1 day ago Democratic Representative Chris Pappas won election on Tuesday to the US Senate and will become the first openly gay man to... HeadlinesDONALD TRUMP Sotto seeks stricter Senate rules on prolonged absences 1 day ago Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente "Tito" Sotto has filed a resolution seeking clearer rules on the prolonged... HeadlinesSENATETITO SOTTO next Recommended OSG to SC: Junk Padilla, Go petition The Senate impeachment court called on the Supreme Court  to throw out the petition from two senators who challenged an earlier ruling to lower the voting threshold to convict Vice President Sara Duterte. 1 day ago BONG GO OSG PADILLA Rules on absent senators sought Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente Sotto III has filed a resolution seeking definitive rules to address the absences of senators like Ronald dela Rosa, who has gone into hiding since the International Criminal Court ordered his arrest for crimes against humanity. 1 day ago ICC SENATE Sara, Leni gap narrows – OCTA The gap between Vice President Sara Duterte and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo in a hypothetical presidential matchup in 2028 has narrowed to its closest in the latest OCTA Research group poll. 1 day ago LENI ROBREDO Chris Pappas to become first openly gay male US senator Democratic Representative Chris Pappas won election on Tuesday to the US Senate and will become the first openly gay man to serve in the upper chamber of Congress. 1 day ago DONALD TRUMP Sotto seeks stricter Senate rules on prolonged absences Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente "Tito" Sotto has filed a resolution seeking clearer rules on the prolonged and unauthorized absences of senators, citing complaints filed before the Committee on Ethics. 1 day ago SENATE TITO SOTTO OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!