NBI: Bacoor pet crematorium contracted Bulacan couple to cremate pets

Content warning: This article contains references to dumped animal remains.

MANILA, Philippines — Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium in Bacoor, Cavite, contracted a married couple in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, to cremate dead pets entrusted to the establishment, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Thursday, November 5.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the Bacoor-based crematorium had initially ordered cremation equipment, but the machinery was never delivered, forcing the establishment to outsource the service to the couple.

The couple was supposed to cremate the animals and return their ashes to Ahjay Paws for release to their respective owners.

However, the couple allegedly could not accommodate the volume of dead pets sent to their facility and resorted to burying some of the remains instead of cremating them.

“Ang findings na natin dito, Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium, wala siyang facility, wala siyang equipment to do the cremation. So pinadala niya doon. Malaki 'yung volume ng dumarating,” Matibag said in an interview with GMA News.

(Our findings here: Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium had no facility or equipment to perform cremations, so the animals were sent there. A large volume was being delivered.)

Matibag said the couple eventually buried the animals, while some remains were dumped instead of being properly disposed of.

“So ang ginawa nila, linibing nila,” he added, citing the couple's testimony.

The dead animals were transported from Bacoor to San Jose del Monte City using a delivery courier service. Matibag said the courier was unaware that the packages contained animal remains because these were placed in sacks and plastic bags.

The couple surrendered to the NBI on Wednesday, November 4, and submitted statements detailing how the animals were handled. They also expressed willingness to testify in the investigation.

“We will help the Department of Justice identify who qualifies as a witness to further establish who has liabilities, but there is already a sworn statement based on the investigation of the Environmental Crime Division,” Matibag explained.

The NBI will forward the complaints to the Department of Justice, which will determine whether the couple may qualify as state witnesses.

The investigation follows the discovery of the remains of 26 dogs and three cats in plastic bags along a roadside in San Jose del Monte City on October 31. Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla ordered the closure of Ahjay Paws and directed the police to investigate its owner.

Matibag said a total of 49 dead pets had been linked to the couple, including those recently found in Bulacan.

The NBI will initially file six cases based on the complaints submitted to the bureau, with Matibag saying investigators already have sufficient evidence to bring the matter before the prosecutor's office.

The agency is also investigating possible violations of sanitation and environmental laws arising from the transportation and disposal of the animal remains.

The crematorium's management could also face estafa and violations of the Consumer Protection Act.

Meanwhile, around 250 pet owners are expected to file complaints against Ahjay Paws, according to earlier statements from local authorities.

The NBI is also looking into the possible liability of other individuals involved in the operation and seeking an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order to prevent them from leaving the country.

abtestabtest LIST: VP Sara’s witnesses for Nov. 9–13 hearings By Cristina Chi | 15 hours ago  Vice President Sara Duterte’s lawyers have submitted a witness lineup for the Senate impeachment proceedings... Headlines Philippines embassy in Washington hopes for immigration policy changes By Pia Lee-Brago | 7 hours 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 | 7 hours ago The Senate impeachment court has been asked by the defense camp to subpoena 24 witnesses for the resumption of Vice President... Headlines Fact check: Viral post falsely tags e-trikes at Marcos’ plant visit as gov't vehicles By Geraldine Santos | 16 hours ago Viral post mislabels e-trikes at Marcos’ plant visit as new government vehicles. 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 Latest More in Headlines Philippines eyes acquisition of more BrahMos missiles Marcos Jr.: No room for corruption in disaster rehab Marcos to maintain enabling environment for energy cause ‘Class suspensions to be based on data’ abtest Up to P30,000 incentive for government workers in December By Keisha Ta-Asan | 7 hours ago Qualified government employees may receive up to P30,000 in a one-time incentive this December, subject to their agencies... Headlines NBI to file raps vs Cavite pet crematorium By Mark Ernest Villeza | 7 hours ago  The National Bureau of Investigation will file six cases before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against a pet crematorium... Headlines Thomas Markle’s son named person of interest By Mark Ernest Villeza | 7 hours ago Thomas Markle’s son has been placed under investigation as a person of interest in a suspected child sexual abuse materials... Headlines Comelec targets 3 million new voters for 2028 elections By Cristina Chi | 14 hours ago The Commission on Elections is aiming to add about three million voters to the rolls for the 2028 national and local elections... Headlines The new chief justice: Who is Rodil Zalameda? By Ian Laqui | 15 hours ago This marks the second appointment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the Supreme Court and the first to the position of... Headlines Recommended Joseph Sy skips Senate probe on fake citizenship 7 hours ago Mining magnate Joseph Sy skipped yesterday’s Senate hearing on his alleged fake Filipino citizenship. HeadlinesJOSEPH SY Philippines embassy in Washington hopes for immigration policy changes 7 hours ago The Philippines’ top diplomat in Washington hopes for changes in the United States’ immigration policy after the... HeadlinesJOSEROMUALDEZ VP defense seeks subpoena for 24 witnesses 7 hours ago The Senate impeachment court has been asked by the defense camp to subpoena 24 witnesses for the resumption of Vice President... HeadlinesDUTERTESARA DUTERTESENATE LIST: VP Sara’s witnesses for Nov. 9–13 hearings 15 hours ago  Vice President Sara Duterte’s lawyers have submitted a witness lineup for the Senate impeachment proceedings... HeadlinesDEFENSEDUTERTESARA DUTERTE'S IMPEACHMENT Fact check: Viral post falsely tags e-trikes at Marcos’ plant visit as gov't vehicles 16 hours ago Viral post mislabels e-trikes at Marcos’ plant visit as new government vehicles. HeadlinesBONGBONG MARCOSFACT CHECKFACT-CHECK next Recommended Joseph Sy skips Senate probe on fake citizenship Mining magnate Joseph Sy skipped yesterday’s Senate hearing on his alleged fake Filipino citizenship. 7 hours ago JOSEPH SY Philippines embassy in Washington hopes for immigration policy changes The Philippines’ top diplomat in Washington hopes for changes in the United States’ immigration policy after the Democrats won both the House and the Senate in the midterm elections. 7 hours ago JOSE ROMUALDEZ VP defense seeks subpoena for 24 witnesses The Senate impeachment court has been asked by the defense camp to subpoena 24 witnesses for the resumption of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on Nov. 9. 7 hours ago DUTERTE SARA DUTERTE SENATE LIST: VP Sara’s witnesses for Nov. 9–13 hearings  Vice President Sara Duterte’s lawyers have submitted a witness lineup for the Senate impeachment proceedings.  15 hours ago DEFENSE DUTERTE SARA DUTERTE'S IMPEACHMENT Fact check: Viral post falsely tags e-trikes at Marcos’ plant visit as gov't vehicles Viral post mislabels e-trikes at Marcos’ plant visit as new government vehicles. 16 hours ago BONGBONG MARCOS FACT CHECK FACT-CHECK 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!