5 Negros LGUs ban hogs, pork products

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The mayors of three towns and two cities in Negros Occidental have banned the entry of hogs and pork products from other areas in the province amid the spread of African swine fever (ASF) and other swine diseases.

These are in the cities of Himamaylan and San Carlos and the towns of La Castellana, Isabela and Moises Padilla.

In an executive order issued on Friday, La Castellana Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan said the ban aims to prevent the spread of ASF and hog cholera as well as facilitate the recovery of the swine industry.

Himamaylan Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson stressed the need to “protect and preserve” the swine industry, especially backyard farmers in his city.

Mayors Irene Montilla of Isabela and Renato Gustilo of San Carlos said the ban on the entry of pigs, pork products and other pork-related food items applies to all areas affected by swine diseases.

Moises Padilla ordered a ban on the entry of hogs and pork products from other towns and cities after ASF cases were detected in this city.

The first ASF cases in Negros Occidental were recorded in this city last month.

ASF cases were also detected in Pulupandan and Victorias City.

In Negros Oriental, the first ASF cases were detected in Dauin and Sibulan towns.

As of Friday, swine deaths in Negros Occidental, which were mostly due to hog cholera, increased to 11,666, with losses estimated at P131.6 million.

At least 2,211 hog raisers in 125 barangays in 16 areas were affected.

Concerned local government units are providing assistance to affected hog raisers.