A security guard working at the Philippines’ largest retail chain was dismissed on July 12th following allegations on social media that he threw a puppy off a footbridge. This incident went viral after a Facebook post exposed the guard, Jojo Malecdem, who works for a private security service provider. The post detailed how Malecdem allegedly grabbed a puppy from two girls and tossed it off a footbridge, which stands at around 5m in height. The footbridge links to SM North Edsa, the second-largest mall in the country owned by the family of the late retail tycoon Henry Sy.
Janine Santos, a witness of the event, posted photos on her Facebook page that captured Malecdem holding the motionless puppy, which was later picked up by a passerby on the ground. According to Santos, the mall cop initially attempted to shoo away the girls, but when they refused to leave, he resorted to grabbing the puppy and throwing it over the footbridge. Santos expressed her distress, stating that when a man confronted Malecdem about his actions, the guard simply replied, “I don’t care.” She added that the incident left everyone who witnessed it near tears.
At first, Santos believed the puppy did not survive the fall, but later revealed that it was still breathing when it arrived at a veterinary clinic. However, its chances of survival were uncertain due to its injuries. In response to this appalling act, the SM Group, which owns the mall, issued a statement declaring Malecdem’s dismissal and his prohibition from servicing any of their malls nationwide. The company strongly condemned such acts that endangered or harmed animals, emphasizing its commitment to being a pet-friendly establishment.
The security contractor directly employing Malecdem also terminated his employment. The incident, as highlighted on Facebook, sparked outrage among netizens. Social media users expressed their strong disapproval, with one Twitter user exclaiming, “He threw an innocent, poor puppy over a tall footbridge. My blood is boiling!” Another user, @lucasdancel, conveyed their disdain for inhumane beings, while Lyka Gabrielle expressed her reluctance to bring her own dog to the mall, stating, “That guard has no heart.”
Tetsuya Makino, also sharing their thoughts on Twitter, called on the SM Group to review their hiring procedures for private guards and ensure they undergo adequate training to handle both people and pets. The Philippine Animal Welfare Society announced that they intend to file an animal cruelty case against Malecdem. This incident serves as a reminder of the need to prioritize animal welfare in society. – The Straits Times (Singapore)/Asia News Network
Credit: The Star : Tech Feed
