15/12/2025
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IMPORTANT AXLE CASE UPDATE
The criminal complaint prepared by PAWS lawyers against the person who killed Axle was sworn in front of Prosecutor Ringgo Sumedca this morning but, in a puzzling turn of events, the same Prosecutor later on refused to file the case six (6) hours after administering the oath for the complainants.
PAWS and its co-complainant (who does not wish to be named for this post) were earlier asked to return for the docket/INV number on the ‘filed’ criminal complaint. PAWS representative Jennel Anecito, however, who took a 12 hour bus trip to file the case, had nowhere to go so he opted to wait at the Prosecutor’s office. Six hours later, Prosecutor Sumedco explained to PAWS Executive Director Atty. Anna Cabrera over the phone that he cannot accept the filing because of insufficient evidence and unauthenticated CCTV footage.
Atty. Cabrera said that the matter of lack of witnesses and the unauthenticated CCTV was addressed in the Complaint. Note: These would be secured using Rules of DIscovery later on in hearings but that the Police Report stated clearly that: "Erwin Faguinney mercilessly struck the dog with a piece of wood in front of the owner’s residence (and continued) hitting the animal until it died. “
The document was signed by Police Captain Nestor Fuguon, Acting Chief of Police of Sadanga Municipal Police Station who was present at Bgy Saclit during the December 4, 2025 relief distribution when the crime took place.
[It was not made known to PAWS as to why the animal offender was not arrested on the spot and why Axle’s killing was only reported to the police station two (2) days after the incident.]
PAWS does not understand why the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor would refuse to receive and docket our complaint after our representative and co-complainant took their oaths.
Receiving a criminal complaint is a ministerial duty. Under Section 9(b) of Department Circular No. 028 s. 2024, the procedure is explicit: "Expedited preliminary investigation is initiated by the filing with the prosecution office... Upon receipt... the designated assisting prosecutor shall evaluate its sufficiency.”
Prosecutors cannot "evaluate" what they refuse to receive.
PAWS will pursue the filing of this case and seek .
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The criminal complaint prepared by PAWS lawyers was crafted after case work conducted by PAWS volunteers over the course of three days or from December 11 to 13, 2025.
These volunteer case workers who took a 12-hour bus ride from Cubao, Quezon City to Bontoc and also rode tricycles and then trekked one hour to reach Brgy. Saclig to interview witnesses, including the Brgy. Captain. They also visited three police stations before they got the certified true copy of the police report.
PAWS thanks these hardworking and courageous volunteers for doing the legwork for the case. We are committed to not let their efforts go to waste.
