“AGTATAKAW TI BURYAS”: 5 piglets stolen in Ilagan; AI generated photos of suspect raises concern

ILAGAN CITY, Isabela – Five piglets were reportedly stolen from the piggery of Barangay Kagawad Jaymar Dalayap in Cabisera 14-16, Ilagan City, on August 29, 2026—but instead of helping identify the suspects, an AI-generated photo allegedly depicting one of the thieves has raised concern over the possibility of an innocent person being wrongly identified.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera on September 1, Dalayap said two unidentified individuals were captured on CCTV entering the piggery and taking the piglets.

According to Dalayap, the suspects apparently failed to notice one of the CCTV cameras, allowing part of one individual’s face to be captured. However, when the camera light flashed, the suspects reportedly noticed the device and allegedly destroyed the CCTV cameras.

The incident was immediately reported to barangay authorities and the police. Dalayap also sought the public’s help through social media in identifying the individuals involved.

AI photo raises concern

Dalayap later became concerned after an AI-generated image allegedly portraying the face of one of the suspects began circulating online.

He appealed to social media users to delete the image and refrain from sharing it, stressing that it does not represent the actual face of the suspect.

“Para po sa mga nagpo-post ng AI-generated [photo], please po, idelete nyo po yang mga yan dahil hindi yan ang mukha ng magnanakaw. Mas lalong hindi mahuhuli yung magnanakaw dahil sa mga post nyong AI-generated na yan. At baka may kamukha yang pinost nyong AI-generated na yan pero hindi siya yung magnanakaw—baka kayo pa ang makasuhan.”

Dalayap warned that someone who merely resembles the AI-generated image could be mistakenly identified and accused of the crime.

He emphasized that while social media can help spread information about the theft, unverified or fabricated images could instead mislead the public and complicate the investigation.

“Magtrabaho kayo nang marangal”

Dalayap also appealed directly to those who allegedly stole his piglets, urging them to stop stealing and find legitimate ways to earn money.

“Para po sa mga nagnakaw ng biik ko, itigil nyo na po yang gawain nyong yan. May hangganan din kayo. Magtrabaho kayo nang marangal, huwag idaan sa maruming paraan para magkapera. Luging-lugi na nga sa pagbababoy dahil mura ang liveweight at mahal ang feeds, nanakawin nyo pa.”

He said hog raisers are already struggling with low liveweight prices and high feed costs, making the loss of livestock an additional financial burden.

Dalayap said they have coordinated with authorities and are hoping those responsible will soon be identified and apprehended.

He also urged fellow hog raisers to remain vigilant and strengthen security around their pigpens, particularly as similar theft incidents have reportedly occurred in the area.

As the investigation continues, Dalayap appealed to the public to share only verified information that could help authorities identify the actual suspects.

He likewise urged social media users to avoid circulating AI-generated images that could wrongly point to an innocent person and divert attention from the actual perpetrators.