Animal rights group condemns Masbate bullfight event after cow escapes, swims into sea
CARA Welfare Philippines slammed the bullfight event in the Bagat Dagat festival in Masbate, where a cow escaped and reportedly swam almost two kilometers into the sea.
In a viral video posted on JM Nga Vlogs' Facebook page, a cow was seen escaping a seemingly fenced ring in Matayum Lagoon, Cataingan, during the Juego de Toro—a bullfight event during the Bagat Dagat festival—before running straight to the sea. The cow continuously swam through the waters, reportedly for two kilometers, before being chased and rescued by the authorities.
According to a report by ABS-CBN News, the rescue operation lasted between 15 and 30 minutes because the cow repeatedly tried to break loose.
In its social media post, the animal rights group stressed that the cow, intended for capture in the game, fled into the sea in an attempt to survive.
"The cow did not 'put on a show.' It was trying to survive," they began.
"The viral video might seem funny to some, but to us, it’s painfully clear: this animal was desperate to live. What we witnessed wasn't just a daring escape. It was a powerful reminder: ANIMALS DO NOT CHOOSE TO ENTERTAIN US," they stressed.
"They do not volunteer for rodeos, races, or games. They run because they’re scared. They fight because they’re cornered. They endure because they have no choice," CARA added.
They called for the public to ponder whether tradition is more important than compassion, and if culture can evolve to be more humane.
"This cow swam for its life. Let’s honor that instinct, not with applause, but with empathy. And let’s work toward a world where animals are respected, not used for sport," they concluded.
Meanwhile, animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said on Tuesday that it is ready to bring the cow to a sanctuary, stressing it's right to live in peace.
“PETA stands ready to take the cow to a sanctuary where they will not need to worry about defending their lives ever again,” PETA Senior Vice President Jason Baker said in a statement.
“These aren’t isolated incidents. They’re acts of resistance. Whether it’s a cow defying the odds or horses charging into the unknown, these animals are telling us something: they don’t want to be displayed, sold, or slaughtered. They want to live. They want to be free,” Baker said.
PETA campaigner Jane Sevilla echoed this. “Reminder lang ito sa atin na ang bawat hayop, bawat nilalang, kasama tayo, lahat ginagawa natin para makatakas sa panganib," she said during her interview with DZMM Teleradyo.
"Reminder lang 'to na kung na-touch tayo dun sa ginawa nung baka, kung naantig 'yung puso natin na 'yung baka lumangoy ng dalawang kilometro para lang makatakas sa panganib, suportahan natin yung kalayaan nila,” she said in a DZMM interview.
“Pagnilay-nilayan natin kung paano ba tayo magiging contributor dun sa freedom na ninanais ng bawat hayop," she added.
