A 50-year-old vendor known only as “Doming” was arrested after residents reportedly caught him sexually abusing a female Dachshund inside a comfort room in Barangay 69, Anibong, Tacloban City, shortly before midnight on July 4.
Police said he had been drinking before entering the restroom. Family members heard the dog crying and reportedly found him committing the abuse. Authorities said the animal suffered genital injuries. He now faces a complaint under the Animal Welfare Act, while reports did not identify a motive.
Tacloban has a City Veterinary Office and an Animal Code under City Ordinance No. 2006-09-264. City authorities are expected to ensure the dog receives proper treatment, preserve medical evidence and support the prosecution.
The case also adds pressure on a local government where several major offices are held by the Romualdez family. Alfred Romualdez is serving his third consecutive term as mayor. His son Raymund is vice mayor, Martin Romualdez‘s son Marty sits on the city council, and Martin represents Leyte’s 1st District, which includes Tacloban.
That leadership was already facing scrutiny after the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School, where two teenage suspects reportedly killed three students and injured 20 others. The school had several entrances and exits but only one guard when the gunmen entered with two firearms. Later threats also disrupted San Jose and Leyte National High School.
Martin later visited the victims’ wakes and promised assistance, but the attack left deeper questions about security, prevention and institutional readiness. Alfred said after his 2025 reelection that there were still many problems to address.
With the mayor’s office, vice mayor’s office, a council seat and the congressional district held by one family, the central accountability test is whether Tacloban’s institutions can prevent abuse, protect children and animals, and deliver visible improvements before another tragedy happens.
