TACLOBAN CITY – In response to the Northern Samar provincial government’s order restricting the movement of pigs and pork meat products, several local government units (LGUs) have also issued executive orders limiting the transport of these products in their respective areas.
The move comes after reports of increased swine mortalities in the towns of Las Navas, Laoang, and Catubig following last month’s consecutive flooding.
A confirmed case of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Las Navas prompted the Provincial Veterinary Office to recommend that Governor Edwin Ongchuan issue an order to curb the movement of pigs and pork meat products.
Following Executive Order No. 25-02-01, signed on February 10, 2025, which mandates the establishment of quarantine checkpoints in affected municipalities and the activation of ‘Bantay ASF sa Barangay’, the local governments of Laoang and Palapag issued their own executive orders restricting the entry of pigs and pork meat products.
In Laoang, Mayor Hector Ong ordered the establishment of ASF checkpoints at all entry and exit points, including Barangays Oleras, Buraud, Calomotan, Aguadahan, and Doña Luisa. These checkpoints are manned by personnel from the municipal agriculture office, Laoang Municipal Police Station, and barangay officials.
Live pigs or hogs may only be transported into Laoang if accompanied by the following documents: barangay certification confirming ownership and place of origin; veterinary health certificate from an LGU-licensed veterinarian; livestock inspection certificate; local shipping permit; handler’s license; and transport carrier registration certificate.
For pork meat products, transporters must present a meat inspection certificate issued by the LGU and an official receipt from a meat stall or meat shop.
In Palapag, Mayor Florence Batula Jr. ordered all barangay officials to activate their respective Barangay ASF Task Force and Barangay Biosecurity Officers to ensure that the municipality remains ASF-free.
Palapag, which borders Laoang, has two main entry points: Pangpang-Calomotan, accessible by boat, and Simora-Palapag Road.
To further strengthen ASF prevention, the Palapag Sangguniang Bayan passed an ordinance prescribing guidelines and precautionary measures to prevent the possible spread of the disease in their municipality.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
