Authorities and animal welfare advocates in Valenzuela City are calling for public assistance after an Aspin named Kobe was found severely injured, with his tongue cut by an unidentified attacker in Barangay Balangkas.
According to the dog’s owner, Kobe went missing after slipping free from his leash. The family searched for him for more than two hours before finding him in the early morning, bloodied and in critical condition. A few meters from their home, they also recovered the dog’s severed tongue.
Kobe was brought to a veterinarian, who confirmed the injury was irreversible and that the tongue could no longer be reattached. The incident has drawn strong reactions online and within the community.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced a P100,000 reward for anyone who can identify the person responsible for the attack. He urged residents of Valenzuela, especially those in Barangay Balangkas, to immediately report any information about the incident.
Gatchalian said tips may be sent directly to him or through the official Facebook page of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). He emphasized the need for swift action, describing the case as a disturbing act that cannot go unaddressed.
PAWS has also expressed concern over the incident, calling for vigilance and cooperation from the public to help identify the suspect. Animal welfare groups noted that cases of cruelty are often difficult to solve without community involvement.
As of now, there are no identified suspects, and authorities are relying on residents’ reports to move the investigation forward. The family continues to monitor Kobe’s recovery following the attack.
