ALABEL, Sarangani (September 16, 2022) - The Provincial Veterinary (PVET) Office confiscated at 2:35pm on September 15 50 kilos of fresh pork at the quarantine checkpoint in Barangay Maribulan amid its campaign against African swine fever (ASF).

The meat was intercepted aboard a private vehicle going to Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental from General Santos City.

Quarantine personnel subsequently burned the confiscated meat.

In an interview with PVET officer-in-charge Dr. Bernard Cababat, he said the confiscation was due to violation of Section 18 (b) of the Provincial Ordinance No. 2022-10-085 or the failure to present necessary permits and required documents for the transport of live hogs, pork, pork products, and by-products.

Cababat said the PVET office remains persistent in monitoring the entry and in regulating movement of pork and pork products despite records showing majority of areas in the province have recovered from ASF.

From the seven municipalities, Malapatan is the only town left with existing cases of ASF.

Cababat said his office will continue enforcing the ordinance and reminded individuals transporting hogs, pork, and pork products to secure necessary permits.

To also strengthen the ongoing surveillance, the PVET has established improvised container van checkpoints in each of the animal quarantine stations at Maribulan in Alabel, Pulatana in Malungon, Tinoto in Maasim, Batulaki in Glan, and in Pinol and Tuanadatu in Maitum. (Beverly C. Paoyon/ SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

?Jake Narte