Lawmaker seeks probe of stray animals’ poisoning

A lawmaker wants the House of Representatives to investigate the alleged poisoning of stray cats and dogs inside Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City. Bulacan Rep. Salvador Pleyto Sr. filed House Resolution No. 1409 sharing the concern of animal welfare group Humans for Animals PH, which claimed that several stray animals were poisoned inside the private cemetery last month. In a Facebook post, Humans for Animals PH claimed they received on Oct. 18 reports of the alleged poisoning of stray animals at the cemetery. The group claimed the stray animals showed poisoning symptoms, which include tremors, before they died. The Manila Memorial Park issued an apology and vowed to look into the claims of alleged poisoning inside the cemetery, videos of which circulated on social media. “This act of cruelty goes against our values and principles as an organization and we are committed to resolving this issue with utmost urgency,” the park management said. —Jeannette I. Andrade

Police officer charged after firing gun in QC bar

Multiple charges have been filed against a police officer who fired a gun and argued with a customer at a bar in Quezon City, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said on Monday. Investigators of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) charged Police Lt. Col. Mark Julio Abong with illegal discharge of firearm, physical injury, slander by deed and disobedience upon a person in authority on Nov. 26 before the city prosecutor’s office. Abong, 40, assigned at the Legal Service of the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame, entered Ralyoz Bar at Barangay Laging Handa at 1 a.m. on Nov. 26. Abong initially demanded to see the bar manager. He then grabbed the necktie of a waiter, went outside and argued with a customer while holding a gun. Abong fired his gun twice before he was arrested. —Gillian N. Villanueva