60 hogs seized over fake permits

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities confiscated at least 60 hogs at a checkpoint in Quezon City yesterday due to fake permits, as part of the government’s campaign to prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF), according to the Department of Agriculture.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said that livestock inspectors of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and the city veterinary department seized the pigs after the transporter allegedly from Sariaya, Quezon presented fraudulent documents.

Tiu Laurel said that the hogs were supposed to be delivered to a slaughterhouse in Caloocan City.

The traders presented spurious certificates of ASF-free status clearance, shipping permits issued by local government units and counterfeit veterinary health certificates, he added.

According to Tiu Laurel, the traders also failed to obtain a local shipping permit from the BAI.

“This seizure, which we hope will be the first and last, should be a clear warning to unscrupulous traders that we mean business. We cannot compromise public health, the viability of the local livestock industry, and the country’s food safety and security,” he said.

The seized hogs are being tested to determine if they are infected with ASF. The pigs would be condemned and taken to a central burial site if they test positive, Tiu Laurel said.

Checkpoints have been set up in Metro Manila as part of the government’s efforts to contain the spread of ASF.