Owner kills neighbor for attacking dog

MANILA, Philippines - A man who beat a neighboring family’s dog was shot dead in Tondo, Manila Saturday afternoon.

Jake Mendoza and his friend, Teodorico Distraho, killed Reynaldo Bucacao, 20, after they reportedly saw him hitting the dog, a Japanese Spitz.

Bucacao had a previous altercation with Joel Mendoza, Jake’s twin, and had gone to the Mendoza family’s residence along Juan Luna street at around 5 p.m. Saturday, Police Officer 3 Rodel Benitez said. He argued with Jake, initially mistaking him for Joel, then left.

He came back minutes later, again looking for Joel. When he did not find the man he wanted to see, Bucacao reportedly started hitting the dog, which was tied just outside the Mendozas’ house.

Jake came out of the house and shot Bucacao in the leg. The victim ran toward an alley, pursued by Jake and Distraho, who was armed with a sword.

Benitez said witnesses reported that Jake shot Bucacao repeatedly, killing him on the spot.

Mary Rose Bucacao, the victim’s elder sister, said she saw Jerry, the twins’ older brother, handing the gun to Jake before the shooting.

Jake and Distraho are at large while Jerry is being held at the Manila Police District headquarters as an accessory to the crime.