15/08/2026
How Bantay Hayop Davao Became Involved in Bobby’s Case
Bantay Hayop Davao (BHD) was not initially aware of Bobby’s case in its entirety. The BHD team was asked to assist by staff from the City Veterinarian’s Office (CVO) who had responded to a report concerning Bobby and his owner.
According to the initial report, Bobby had reportedly been seen alone several times because his owner, Tatay Manuel, had allegedly been taken away by ambulance and was believed to be ill. When the investigation took place in the afternoon, Tatay Manuel—who was known to be homeless—was not in the area. BHD was then requested to assist in rescuing Bobby.
At that time, the only information BHD had was that a dog belonging to a homeless man needed to be rescued because there had been a second impoundment request. Bobby was assessed to be gentle and approachable, so BHD proceeded to the area at approximately 8:00 p.m.
CVO staff were also present. BHD informed them that, should Bobby need to be rescued, the CVO would need to provide temporary housing because BHD did not have available space at the shelter at that time. BHD offered to assist with transportation. This arrangement was agreed upon.
That same evening, Tatay Manuel arrived in the area. It was then confirmed that he was not the elderly man who had reportedly been taken away by ambulance.
Tatay Manuel was informed about the possibility of Bobby being impounded again due to another request through DCR. He explained why Bobby was sometimes left alone and why the dog would sleep under a vehicle. He was also informed that there had been complaints regarding dogs loitering in the area. Since Bobby has an owner, Tatay Manuel was advised that Bobby should never be left unattended or unsupervised.
Tatay Manuel agreed to the advice.
Importantly, the recommendations stated in the report indicated that there was no need to impound Bobby as long as the recommendations and requests were followed. This included the requirement that Tatay Manuel should not leave Bobby unsupervised or unattended. This is the effort of the City Veterinarian’s Office to prevent requested dogs from being impounded.
Because Tatay Manuel did not agree to allow the CVO staff to adopt Bobby, BHD left him a leash so that Bobby could be properly secured. Suggestions were offered that maybe the nearby establishments can be requested to have Bobby secured whenever Tatay Manuel decides to leave him. To this he replied that it is a challenge.
Since Bobby was left under the care of his onwer again, the CVO staff also requested BHD to assist in monitoring Bobby in the area. On several occasions, BHD observed that Bobby was again left alone during the day without his owner nearby. BHD dutifully would pass by where Bobby is whenever near the area.
When BHD later received the report that Bobby had been impounded, Ms. Rovie was once again requested to assist. After it was confirmed m, Ms. Rovie suggested that Bobby become part of the rehabilitation program that BHD would soon be actively participating in then be adopted.
However, the City Pound Supervisor suggested that Bobby be taken out of the pound instead because the rehabilitation center was scheduled to undergo disinfection that week.
The CVO staff who had participated in the official investigation, visitation, and intervention involving Bobby—and who had previously requested BHD’s assistance—once again requested that Bobby be brought to the clinic, as there was already an assumption that Bobby might be sick given his days stay in the common area.
BHD therefore responded to the calls and requests for assistance made by the concerned staff.
BANTAY HAYOP DAVAO KNOWS HOW TO COOPERATE.
Official statements from the people involved are now being prepared, including accounts concerning Bobby’s second impoundment, the circumstances surrounding the impoundment, and who was present when it occurred.
WHY BHD IS SPEAKING NOW
Bantay Hayop Davao does not expect everyone to immediately believe this side of the story. However, we owe this explanation to our supporters who have been defending BHD without knowing the full circumstances, the facts that are recorded, of how BHD became involved in Bobby’s case.
We thank these supporters who went to battle for us without being asked or prodded. We thank you for taking the blunt of social media circus with us. We thank the people who sent us messages if comfort, we needed that. And we thank those who were quiet and not quick to judge.
BHD does not have the habit of explaining itself. Animal Welfare work has always been its focus.
Also, BHD chose not to speak immediately because several people and government agencies were involved. Out of respect to these people and for the processes involved, we needed to seek permission and clarify the circumstances before making a public statement.
To add, the public request of the other organization that turned into trolling, bullying and defaming had caught the attention of the Board of Trustees and the pool of legal counsels of BHD. Investigations and observations were done before any actions to take were agreed and approved. As an organization of people who work as a team, we do convene and discuss to avoid irresponsible actions.
We are sharing this side of the story not to seek sympathy, nor simply to defend BHD nor to redeem Ms. Rovie. We are sharing it because this is what happened from BHD’s perspective and based on the events in which our team was directly involved.
We have also been informed that the other organization that accused BHD of taking Bobby away from his owner (among other stories posted) has been informed of these circumstances as well. Nevertheless, we are not expecting apologies or anything in return.
The damage to the reputation of Bantay Hayop Davao and Ms. Rovie is already significant. The continued accusations, bullying, and efforts to discredit BHD and Ms. Rovie are also creating difficulties for our TNVR and Rehabilitation Program, as well as for other projects that are intended to benefit animals in need, not to mention the stress it has caused mentally receiving hate messages to the Board of Trustees especially to Rian and Ms. Rovie.
We are still trying to determine how to address the consequences of these events while ensuring that the animals—particularly the residents of our shelter that’s about 230, the strays- abandoned, and impounded animals—remain our priority.
Despite everything, we will continue working with what we have left.
Our focus remains the animals and the work that needs to be done for them.
