Cop bashed over ‘sickly’ bomb-sniffing dog

MANILA, Philippines — A handler of a police explosives detection dog who went viral on social media for looking emaciated has appealed to the public to stop bashing him.

Kobe, a Belgian Malinois, was seen in a photograph of Philippine Star photojournalist Ryan Baldemor.

The photo became viral on social media platforms, generating mostly negative reactions from netizens who expressed concern over the canine’s physical appearance.

Kobe and his handler, Pat. Victor Paolo Dy Buco, were pictured at the site of an explosion at the corner of Tayuman and Dagupan streets in Tondo, Manila on Sunday. Four scavengers were injured in the incident.

People expressed concern for Kobe who looked emaciated, with his rib cage protruding, while making fun of Dy Buco for his bulky frame.

At a news briefing at the National Police Commission (Napolcom) in Quezon City yesterday, Dy Buco addressed public criticism that he is overweight because of laziness.

“Naging ganito ‘yung build ko hindi dahil sa katamaran. May diperensya ako sa katawan,” he said.

Dy Buco said he is a person with disability as he suffered fractures in his body and left hand.

Napolcom vice chairman Rafael Vicente Calinisan and journalist Ramon Tulfo donated dog food to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine (EOD-K9) Group for Kobe and other police dogs under its care.

Calinisan asked the public to stop the hate on Dy Buco and instead thanked the police officer for his service.

“Let us not be deceived by appearance. Ang ating handler ay may iniinda rin,” Calinisan said.

The National Capital Explosive and Canine Unit said Kobe underwent a 15-day refresher training from May 26 to June 13.

“That explains the canine’s appearance, but he is physically fit to serve the public,” it said in a statement.

The EOD/K9 Group has 398 service dogs securing airports, seaports and other transportation hubs. The unit is in the process of procuring 100 more canines.