EOD-K9 Group head replaced over viral police dog

MANILA, Philippines — An image of a police explosives detection dog looking emaciated has prompted a change in leadership at the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine (EOD-K9) Group.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III yesterday ordered a revamp at the EOD-K9 after a photograph of a Belgian Malinois named Kobe went viral on social media and elicited concern from animal rights groups.

The photograph was taken by Philippine STAR photojournalist Ryan Baldemor during an inspection of police officers at an explosion site in Tondo, Manila.

“For one, we changed the leadership of the EOD-K9. Two officials were removed,” Torre told Camp Crame reporters.

Torre did not name the two officials.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said EOD-K9 director Brig. Gen. Albert Magno, who will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Sept. 25, was replaced by Col. Raynold Rosero.

Torre said he would no longer delve on the issue of whether Kobe was really malnourished, but he vowed to support the EOD-K9 Group, which plays a vital role in securing airports, seaports, places of convergence and vital installations from lawless elements.

He also expressed gratitude to the animal rights groups and fur parents who voiced their concern over Kobe’s physical appearance.

Torre, however, said that the regimen of detection canines is different from pet dogs.

“Mga working dogs ‘yan, may mga training ‘yan. Hindi sila kagaya ng mga aso natin,” he explained.

The PNP has 337 police dogs. Torre said they are planning to acquire more for law enforcement operations.