Authorities in Daanbantayan, Cebu have launched an investigation into allegations of a dog meat trade after an old video resurfaced on social media.
The video was re-uploaded by animal welfare advocate Maria Fe Buhayan, who said she first discovered the incident in 2023 after receiving reports about the condition of dogs at a dog pound.
Buhayan said she witnessed two men taking three dogs from a cage, which she initially believed were being taken for adoption.
She later interviewed a woman who allegedly sold food made from dog meat at an eatery located near a cockpit arena.
In an interview with Brigada News FM Cebu, Buhayan said she recently reposted the video because, based on her monitoring, the alleged illegal activity was still ongoing.
Following the renewed attention on social media, Daanbantayan Mayor Gilbert Arrabis Jr. ordered local police to conduct an investigation to verify the allegations.
The local government clarified that the municipality does not currently operate a municipal dog pound, noting that the establishment of a dog shelter is still in the planning stage.
According to the Daanbantayan Municipal Police Station (MPS), their initial investigation found no records or evidence confirming the existence of a dog meat trade in the town as of 2026.
Authorities reminded the public that cruelty to animals is prohibited under the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing as police continue to gather information to determine the accuracy of the allegations circulating online.
