BuCor to probe ‘cat abuse’ in Bilibid

MANILA, Philippines — An investigation is underway following reports about the alleged maltreatment of cats inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa.

Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. yesterday ordered a fact-finding investigation into the alleged cases of animal cruelty in the NBP.

“We will not allow this to happen in prison facilities,” Catapang said in a statement.

BuCor media consultant Weng Ocfemia said the national penitentiary has not received any information about cat abuse.

“What’s prevalent in Bilibid is castration of cats because a lot of inmates have been scratched by cats,” Ocfemia said. “Nevertheless, the NBP chief has already ordered an investigation.”

Catapang said the NBP is working with the Muntinlupa government to address complaints of cat bites.

Mark, who served time for seven years, revealed that stray cats were being sold to inmates and some Chinese customers.

Mark also accused some NBP personnel of putting some cats in sacks due to their increasing population and impounding them at an undisclosed location.

Mark said he saw cats being decapitated, skinned and disemboweled.

Asked what would be done to these animals, he said, “They would be eaten.”

Mark, who was released from the NBP in November 2025, added that he saw some personnel being tapped to “sack cats alive and carry them.”

Ocfemia said the BuCor has not received any report about animal cruelty at the NBP or other prisons.

She highlighted NBP’s partnership with animal group Biyaya Animal Care for the castration, ligation and vaccination of cats for the “protection of inmates.”