Report Alleging Councilor Dongpop Dawadeo Killed Axle the Dog Remains Unconfirmed, Animal Welfare Groups Demand Accountability [VIDEO]

Reports circulating online claim that Councilor Dongpop Dawadeo was responsible for the death of Axle, an American Bully dog, in Sadanga, Mountain Province — but these allegations have not been confirmed, authorities and involved parties say.

Axle’s owner, Vincejr Labsky, believes his dog was brutally killed, and several animal welfare groups, including Furvent Animal Rescue and Advocacy, are calling for accountability after CCTV footage showing the incident went viral across social media.

According to witnesses, Axle had merely urinated on a man and was not acting aggressively at the time of the confrontation. Individuals familiar with local customs say the attack may have been influenced by a “pamahiin” — a cultural belief regarding dogs urinating on people. The footage allegedly shows Axle being beaten until he collapsed.

However, despite the circulation of the video, no eyewitness has come forward to officially authenticate the footage, leaving the case without legal grounding. Without a witness with direct personal knowledge, the video remains inadmissible in court, preventing formal charges from progressing.

A settlement was reportedly reached between parties involved, but animal welfare organizations stress that this does not negate potential violations of the Animal Welfare Act (RA 8485, as amended by RA 10631). Under Philippine law, harming or killing an animal is a criminal offense punishable by fines and imprisonment.

Concerns have also been raised over reports that the alleged perpetrator may be a government employee, prompting netizens to urge the local government of Sadanga to take immediate and transparent action.

Animal advocates argue that Axle was denied basic protections and insist that justice requires someone to step forward. Until a witness comes forward or the footage is legally validated, the case cannot move forward.

Axle’s death has become a rallying point for discussions on animal rights, accountability, and the need for stronger enforcement of Philippine animal welfare laws. Supporters hope that someone will break their silence to ensure Axle’s death is not in vain.