State of calamity in Zamboanga due to ASF

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The city disaster risk reduction and management council (CDRRMC) has recommended the declaration of a state of calamity in this city due to the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF).

Mayor John Dalipe approved a resolution of the CDRRMC recommending the calamity declaration during a meeting on Friday.

The resolution is expected to be approved during the regular session of the city council on Tuesday.

Stakeholders had earlier recommended the declaration of a state of calamity to enable the city government to use calamity funds in the barangay level to contain the spread of swine flu.

City veterinarian Dr. Mario Arriola said ASF cases continue to rise despite measures to curb the spread of the swine disease.

He said hog mortalities have risen to 2,775 while 746  hogs have been culled.

Arriola said 733 hog raisers have been affected since the city was classified as a red zone last May 23.

From an initial four barangays, ASF has spread to 15 barangays in the city.