MANILA, Philippines – A Philippine Army soldier accused of killing a dog in a viral social media video has been relieved from his duties and is facing an administrative investigation, with possible criminal charges over the alleged animal cruelty.

Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala said on Tuesday, November 10, that the soldier, assigned to the 1st Infantry Division in Zamboanga del Sur, had been relieved from his duties pending the resolution of his administrative case.

According to a news report, the soldier is staying at the division headquarters at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an in Zamboanga del Sur while the case is being investigated.

“The minimum would be demotion from his rank,” Dema-ala said during a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, adding that complainants may also pursue a separate criminal case against him.

“The Philippine Army strongly condemns any act of animal cruelty,” he added.

Dema-ala also said personnel found responsible would face appropriate administrative and disciplinary sanctions, as well as applicable legal consequences under existing laws and regulations.

Soldier identified by animal welfare group

Animal welfare group Strategic Power for Animal Respondents (SPAR) Philippines identified the soldier as Private First Class Ruiz in an October 26 Facebook post calling for accountability over the incident.

The group said it received information about the soldier from individuals who claimed to know him after the incident was initially reported to Bataan Animal Welfare.

The Army initially sought to verify the identities of those involved, including the individual who recorded the footage.

Another report interviewed a relative of the soldier, identified only by the alias Camille, who expressed shock over the video. She said their family also had pet dogs and believed the soldier should be held accountable.

SPAR also called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines to impose disciplinary action on the soldier.

The group said military personnel are expected to know and follow the law, and stressed that animal cruelty should never be treated as entertainment or as content for social media attention.

It called for an investigation and for the soldier to be held accountable if the allegations are proven.

Animal groups push for criminal charges 

The Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) said it intends to file a criminal complaint against those involved in the incident.

AKF lawyer Heidi Marquez-Caguioa said animal cruelty cases are often difficult to pursue because witnesses are reluctant to come forward or identify themselves. The group also emphasized that military personnel are covered by animal welfare laws like everyone else.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia said an administrative penalty would not be enough.

“Dogs depend on humans for protection, and this dog suffered a terrifying and painful death at the hands of someone sworn to serve and protect. Demotion alone cannot deliver justice for a dog whose life was violently taken,” PETA Asia president Jason Baker said in a statement.

The group is calling for animal cruelty charges and a lifetime ban preventing the soldier from keeping animals. It also urged the public to report any witnessed cruelty to animals to the nearest police station and to PETA at 0999-888-7382.

Under the Animal Welfare Act, as amended by Republic Act No. 10631, a person convicted of subjecting an animal to cruelty, maltreatment, or neglect faces one year, six months, and one day to two years in prison, a fine of up to P100,000, or both if the animal dies.

Heavier penalties of two years and one day to three years in prison, a fine of up to P250,000, or both apply when the offense is committed by a government personnel, among others.

Soldier awaits resolution of case

The soldier remains at the 1st Infantry Division headquarters at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an in Zamboanga del Sur while he awaits the final disposition of his administrative case, as well as possible criminal proceedings that complainants may initiate.

The Army said it would not tolerate misconduct within its ranks and that personnel found guilty would be held accountable, with due process observed.

Dema-ala also said the Army is strengthening its social media policy to remind personnel of their responsibilities and prevent similar incidents. 

The Army has recorded more than 300 violations of the policy, all under investigation, with 24 personnel already sanctioned for various violations. – Rappler.com