Congressman Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. has asked the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to investigate an alleged animal cruelty incident involving a college dean inside a private school in Angeles City on October 5, 2026.

In a letter to CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, Lazatin urged the commission to look into the incident and ensure that appropriate action is taken.

“I sincerely hope that the CHED and its leadership share our advocacy of serving as the voice of the voiceless,” Lazatin said in the letter.

Following the request, CHED Region III Director Maura Cristobal furnished Lazatin on October 6 a copy of the agency’s letter to Systems Plus College Foundation (SPCF) President Lourdes Bustamante.

CHED asked SPCF to require the concerned personnel to submit a written explanation addressing the incident within three working days and to inform the commission of the actions taken by the institution.

Lazatin had earlier asked the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO) to investigate the incident and file appropriate charges against those responsible within 72 hours.

He also met with animal rights advocate Leah Ibuna of Noah’s Ark Dog and Cat Shelter, who initially brought public attention to the alleged incident through a social media post.

Ibuna was subsequently accompanied to ACPO Station 4 by Lazatin’s Chief Political Affairs Officer Reina Manuel, along with legal counsel Atty. Ellaine Quizon.

“We will closely monitor any developments concerning this issue because we want to bring the perpetrators of this violent act to justice,” Lazatin said.