Couple meted life terms for ‘crush’ videos

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines – A local court has sentenced a couple to life imprisonment for producing videos showing girls torturing animals to death.

In a decision issued last Monday, Judge Alpino Florendo of the Regional Trial Court Branch 30 ordered Victor Ridon and his wife Chita to pay a fine of P9.4 million.

The Ridons were found guilty of violating laws against child abuse, animal welfare, human trafficking and wildlife protection.

They were meted four to nine years’ imprisonment for child abuse, a life term and a fine of P4.7 million each for human trafficking, six years imprisonment and a P15,000 fine for violating the animal welfare act, and an additional two years for violating the wildlife protection act.

Victor, who is detained at the provincial jail here, said they would appeal the decision.

Animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals welcomed the ruling.