PILAR, Capiz — In a disturbing incident that has sparked outrage across social media and national news, a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman from Barangay Blasco, Pilar, Capiz, is now asking for forgiveness after being implicated in the killing of a dog.
Carlo Bacay, the SK chairman, is seeking to make amends with the public, particularly dog lovers, for his actions.
"Naga pangayo gid ako apology sa mga dog lover sa gin himo ko nga pagpatay sa ido," Bacay said during an interview with Brigada News FM Roxas. Bacay claims that he was merely complying with the dog owner's request, citing the animal's perceived threat and danger as the reason behind his actions.
Good Intentions
SK Chairman Bacay added that he killed the dog to help the owner, who worried that her pet might harm somebody, emphasizing that he believed he was acting with good intentions.
However, this explanation does little to calm the anger and disappointment felt by many. The brutal nature of the act and the violation of Republic Act 8485, or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, under which Bacay is now facing charges, cannot be easily overlooked. If convicted, Bacay could face a minimum of six months imprisonment—a penalty that reflects the seriousness of animal cruelty under Philippine law.
Adding complexity to the situation, Christine Bacalangco, the owner of the dog, confirmed in the same radio interview that she indeed asked Bacay to put down the dog.
Bacalangco has also issued an apology, expressing regret for her role in the incident. Both Bacalangco and Bacay stated that they were unaware someone had taken a video of the killing, which was subsequently uploaded to social media, further fueling public outrage.
Animal Welfare
While both Bacay and Bacalangco have apologized, the public's reaction underscores a broader issue of animal rights and ethical treatment. The callousness of the act, combined with the casual admission of it, reveals a disturbing disregard for the welfare of animals.
This incident has shone a spotlight on the need for greater awareness and education about animal rights and the importance of humane treatment.
The Roxas Animal Welfare Society has launched an investigation into the dog's killing, which is a critical step in ensuring accountability. The community needs to see that such acts are not tolerated and that there are legal consequences for those who violate animal welfare laws.
While Bacay's apology is a start, it is not enough. "Apology is just the first step," as one local put it. "Dapat may ara gid nga hustisya para sa mga ido nga wala sang may madipensa sa ila." (Justice should be served for dogs that have no one to defend them.) This sentiment is widely shared, and many are calling for stricter enforcement of animal protection laws to prevent similar incidents in the future.
While Bacay's apology might be seen as a move toward redemption, it falls short of addressing the gravity of the act. True accountability and a firm stance against animal cruelty are necessary to foster a society that respects and protects all living beings.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #AnimalCruelty #DogKillingIncident