March 29, 2024

BANGUED, Abra – The entry and distribution of live pigs, pork, and pork products coming outside the province has been banned to protect the local swine industry from the African Swine Fever (ASF).

The sangguniang panlalawigan passed Ordinance 316 s. 2020, known as the “African Swine Fever Prevention Ordinance of Abra 2020,” which prohibits the distribution, storing, trading, marketing, transporting, and sale of live pigs, pork, and pork products originating outside the province. The ordinance allows the outright confiscation and condemnation of seized items.

Dr. Jomar Sales of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian said the ordinance complements Executive Order 15 s. 2019 issued by Gov. Joy Bernos that also banned the entry of pork products due to the threats of the ASF.

Violators may face revocation of their licenses or permits and may be fined not less than P5,000 regardless of the quantity of the prohibited items found in their possession.

Those caught for possession of 25 to 50 kilos of the prohibited items will face imprisonment of three to six months, and those caught for possession of over 50 kilos will face imprisonment of six to 12 months.

All persons aboard the vehicle used in transporting the prohibited items will be fined P5,000 each and the vehicle will be impounded.

There is no reported ASF case yet in Abra. – Zandro Alexander Cariño