A Chinese national who was caught on video brutally kicking a cat to death in a public park is now facing deportation after being arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for overstaying in the country.
The Incident That Sparked Outrage
The shocking act took place at Ayala Triangle Gardens, a popular green space in Makati City. The suspect, a 32-year-old Chinese man, was recorded by witnesses violently kicking a community cat named ‘Ken’, sending it flying several feet before it succumbed to its injuries.
The graphic footage quickly went viral, sparking public outrage and demands for justice from animal welfare organizations, netizens, and local officials.
Swift Arrest and Immigration Violation
Following the viral video, authorities launched an investigation and tracked down the suspect outside his residence in Barangay Palanan, Makati. Upon further scrutiny, BI agents discovered that he had overstayed his visa.
He originally arrived in the Philippines as a tourist in May 2023 but had failed to extend his visa since September 2023, making him an illegal overstaying alien. The BI immediately took him into custody, and he is now detained at the BI facility in Bicutan, Taguig, awaiting deportation.
BI Commissioner Joel Viado didn’t hold back in his condemnation of the act:
“Filipinos are known to be very hospitable to our guests… but guests should not come to our houses kicking our pets. His cruel action led to the BI conducting checks on his records, and now he’s detained to be deported.”
Legal Consequences & Animal Welfare Laws
Animal rights groups, including CARA Welfare Philippines, have strongly condemned the senseless killing of the cat, calling for stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws in the country.
Under Republic Act 8485, also known as the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, any act of cruelty towards animals is punishable by imprisonment and fines. Although the suspect is set to be deported, many Filipinos are demanding harsher penalties before he is allowed to leave the country.
Netizens Call for Justice
Social media exploded with calls for justice, with many insisting that deportation is not enough punishment for such a heinous act.
“This is disgusting. People who can do this to animals are dangerous! He should be jailed, not just deported.”
“Good riddance, but he should face charges first before being sent back.”
“This should be a lesson to ALL foreigners: respect our country, respect our people, and respect our animals.”
Authorities are now finalizing deportation proceedings, but activists and lawmakers are pushing for additional legal action before the suspect leaves the Philippines. Meanwhile, this case has reignited discussions on stronger animal cruelty laws and stricter immigration enforcement.