Mall Security Guard Faces Jail for Animal Cruelty
A former mall security guard in Quezon City has been sentenced to prison and fined for throwing a puppy off a footbridge in 2023. On January 22, 2026, the court found Jojo Malicdem guilty of violating the Animal Welfare Act of 1998. He faces one to two years in jail and a ₱100,000 fine. If he cannot pay the fine, each day in prison will count toward settling it.
The court also ordered Malicdem to pay ₱20,000 in moral damages to the puppy’s owner, with 6% annual interest until the full amount is paid. The case was filed and pursued by the Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF), which said the ruling should serve as justice for the life lost and as a warning that cruelty to animals carries serious consequences.
The incident happened in July 2023 when Malicdem tried to disperse a group of children. One of the children was holding the puppy, Browny, when the guard reportedly grabbed it and threw it from the footbridge, killing it instantly.
Meanwhile, the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 is a Philippine law designed to protect animals from abuse, neglect, and cruelty. Its main purpose is to ensure that all animals—whether pets, farm animals, or those used in research or entertainment—are treated with care and respect.
The law makes it illegal to beat, abandon, overwork, or intentionally harm animals. Anyone who owns or takes care of animals, as well as anyone who comes into contact with them, is responsible for their safety and well-being. Violating the law can lead to fines, imprisonment, or both.
Government agencies and animal welfare groups enforce the law to make sure animals are not left vulnerable. The law reminds everyone that animals are living beings who deserve kindness and protection, and that mistreating them is not only morally wrong—it is against the law.