The La Trinidad municipal government in Benguet has directed a restaurant in Barangay Wangal to clarify why it should not face sanctions after the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) confirmed that cooked meat samples from the establishment tested positive for dog DNA.Mayor Roderick Awingan issued a show-cause order, giving the restaurant owner three days to respond.

Two other establishments were also implicated in the investigation, which involves potential legal actions including the suspension of business permits.The case highlights concerns over food safety and animal welfare, with authorities emphasizing the need for transparency.The NMIS's findings underscore the importance of regulatory compliance, as the incident could set a precedent for similar cases.

Local officials are preparing to hold hearings to determine the appropriate measures against the implicated businesses, reflecting broader efforts to enforce legal standards in the food industry.