By CESAR JOLITO III

Cauayan Mayor John Rey Tabujara has summoned a social media vlogger after videos allegedly showing him inflicting harm on a dog sparked widespread outrage online and prompted an animal welfare complaint.

The vlogger, identified online as JOMOND JTV, was formally notified by local authorities of the country’s animal welfare laws and the possible legal consequences of violating them.

The videos, which circulated widely on social media, drew strong condemnation from netizens and animal welfare advocates, who called for authorities to investigate the incident and ensure the safety of the animals.

Meanwhile, Bacolod-based animal welfare organization BACH Project announced that it has filed a formal complaint against the vlogger.

BACH Project received a request for assistance from the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Cybercrime Group – Negros Island Region to support the ongoing investigation.

According to BACH Project, its team will travel to Cauayan to submit documentary evidence to local authorities, locate the puppy seen in the viral videos, and assess the condition of other animals reportedly kept in the same household.

The organization thanked local officials and law enforcement agencies for their cooperation and vowed to provide updates as the investigation progresses.

Authorities have yet to announce whether criminal charges will be filed pending the outcome of the investigation./CCJ, WDJ