Calls for justice for murdered “Axle,” an American Bully, and mutilated “Kobe,” an “asPin” (short for “asong Pinoy” or native or mixed-breed dog), continue to build, with demands for the harshest penalties under the law to be imposed against the perpetrators.

Axle, as seen in viral CCTV footage shared online, was beaten to death by an unidentified male using what appeared to be a wooden club in Sadanga town, Mountain Province, on Dec. 4. The male attacker, initially reported to be connected with the Sadanga local government unit (LGU), allegedly became angry after Axle urinated on him.

The footage showed the man repeatedly beating Axle, who did not retaliate and only tried to run away. Bystanders were also shown in the video not interfering amid the beatings, despite the dog’s loud whimpering.

Meanwhile, Kobe, on Dec. 9, was frightened by fireworks in their community on Aratiles Street, Brgy. Balangkas, Valenzuela City, ran away, and did not return that day. He was later found in the same street, very weak, limp, severely bleeding, and fighting for his life. It was discovered that his tongue had been cut off and was found beside him.

“Axle… was brutally and senselessly beaten to death in Sadanga Mountain Province a few days ago. The horrific act, captured on CCTV footage which has been circulating online, has left people heartbroken and outraged. This blatant act of cruelty is a crime, and crimes demand accountability,” said the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).

It added, “PAWS is ready and willing to fight for Axle…. This is our call to the public: If you were present during the incident, if you saw Axle being beaten or witnessed his final moments, if you own the CCTV footage circulating online or have direct information about the case, please come forward. Help us give Axle the justice he deserves.”

The Sadanga LGU also condemned the killing of Axle and assured the public of a thorough investigation into the incident.

“We express our unequivocal condemnation of the senseless killing of the American Bully known as Axle, which took place on December 4, 2025. We confirm that a filing of a case is ongoing against the perpetrator, who is a driver of the local government unit,” the Sadanga LGU said in a statement.

It added, “The perpetrator is not an SB member. The perpetrator is not Daniel ‘Dongpop’ Dawadeo,” referring to the Sangguniang Bayan, or the municipal legislative council.

With regard to Kobe, PAWS said, “Nanghingi ng tulong yung may-ari kasi lumabas yung kanilang alaga dahil natakot sa paputok nung December 9 ‘tas hindi na bumalik. Nung hinanap nila ang kanilang aso, nakita nila sa Barangay Aratilis, lupaypay, losing a lot of blood, tapos andun pa yung severe na tongue, yun pong pinutol.”

“Si Kobe ay nasa veterenary clinic. Medyo nasa kritikal na kundisyon, pero lumalabas pa naman,” it added.

PAWS reached out to former Valenzuela City mayor and now Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian for help.

Expressing shock at the incident, Gatchalian said, “Ang pananakit sa ating mga alaga, mga aso, pusa, ilegal yan. Nung nakita ko yung picture, karumal-dumal.”

He said he is offering P100,000 for any information leading to those behind the mutilation of Kobe.

“Bilang maliit na reward sa impormasyon na makakatulong para sa kaso na to, personally cocommit ko ang P100,000. This is a personal appeal dahil ako, hindi ko kayang sikmurain na may ganitong ginagawang mga aktibidad na karumal-dumal laban sa ating mga alaga sa Valenzuela city,” Gatchalian added.

Various animal welfare advocates, as well as concerned individuals, have condemned the crimes committed against Axle and Kobe and added to the calls for justice for the abused dogs.

According to PAWS, there are laws against cruelty to animals. Among these are:

• Republic Act (RA) 8485, or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, which covers animals as pets or trade items, banning cruelty, neglect (lack of food, shelter, and health care), and unauthorized experiments;
• RA 10631 (an amendment to RA 8485), which strengthened penalties by adding imprisonment and fines for cruelty, especially if the animal dies or suffers severe injury; and
• Presidential Decree (PD) 1602, or the Anti-Cruelty Law, which penalizes acts such as beating and torturing animals and organizing animal fights.

PAWS said it stands firmly with the public in condemning acts of cruelty against animals. “Cruelty thrives when people choose to look away and be silent. We have laws to protect animals, but laws only work when people choose to use them,” it emphasized.

The group said information about cruelty to animals may be reported to Ms. Vi (PAWS Legal Coordinator for Cruelty Cases) at 0905-401-2235.

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