Killer dog still in police custody; handlers released

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Nico, the Belgian Malinois, that killed a young girl, remained detained at the police station even as its handlers have already been released.

The dog’s handlers, Joel Cañete and RJ Serbestre, were released Thursday after the prescribed period for inquest lapsed, according to Police Chief Inspector Larry Domingo, commander of the Police Station 7.

Domingo said that under Republic Act No. 9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, the police only have 18 hours to place under detention the handlers or owner of the dog.

Domingo, however, said they are keeping the dog as evidence. He said that the animal had been placed in a travel cage and being taken care of by the city’s veterinary office.

The veterinary office had said that it is placing the dog under a 14-day observation to determine if is carrying rabies.

The Belgian Malinois attacked and killed 9-year-old Mariane Gonzales on Monday afternoon at Summer Hill Subdivision in Barangay Pansonanca. The girl was on her way home when the attack happened.

Domingo maintained that the handlers and the owner of the dog can be held liable for negligence.

“If the victim’s family will pursue the case against the owner then we will pursue the filing a regular case," he said.

The dog's owner, Geolar Tan, is already attempting to settle the case with the victim's family, according to his lawyer, Florencio Liong.

Liong said that Tan has promised to shoulder the medical and funeral expenses.

“My client is very much open for settlement as they don’t want to add the burden and grieve of the family of the victim,” Liong said.

Ryan Gonzales, 29, father the young girl who is a working for a wedding planner, said they are also open for settlement.

He said that they only want to give their daughter a descent burial.