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December 13, 2025 | 4:59pm
Kobe the aspin was found with his tongue brutally cut off, left on the pavement bleeding, trembling, and crying for help.
PAWS via Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary and former Valenzuela City mayor Rex Gatchalian has offered a P100,000 reward for information that will lead to the identification of the person responsible for the brutal mutilation of a dog named Kobe.
The offer came after the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) sought assistance over the case, which involved the cutting off of the dog’s tongue for still unknown reasons.
PAWS said Kobe went missing on December 9 after being startled by fireworks and running outside the family home. The dog did not return.
Kobe was later found in Barangay Aratilis, Valenzuela City, weak and bleeding heavily, with his tongue already severed, the animal welfare group recounted in a video posted online.
PAWS reached out to Gatchalian, who served as Valenzuela mayor for nine years to help seek justice for the abused animal.
The DSWD chief then said he would personally put up the cash reward to encourage witnesses to come forward.
"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 said.
(As a small reward for information that can help with this case, I personally commit P100,000. This is a personal appeal because I cannot tolerate such despicable acts being carried out against our pets in Valenzuela City.)
The former Valenzuela City mayor said he could not stomach the cruelty inflicted on the dog, saying that harming animals is illegal and runs contrary to the values of Valenzuela residents.
"Ang pananakit sa ating mga alaga, mga aso, pusa, ilegal 'yan. Nung nakita ko 'yung picture, karumal-dumal," he added.
(Harming our pets—dogs and cats—is illegal. When I saw the picture, it was horrifying.)
PAWS said Kobe is currently confined in a veterinary clinic and remains in critical condition, though he has shown signs of recovery.
Veterinarian Maricel Taca said the dog’s tongue can no longer be reattached but said that Kobe is now able to drink water using his snout.
Animal welfare advocates renewed calls for witnesses to report any information that could help identify the perpetrator as the case continues to draw public outrage and demands for accountability.
