BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental governor Eugenio Jose Lacson called out local government units (LGUs) to step up biosecurity measures to prevent the entry of African swine fever (ASF) in the province.
His order came after the Cadiz City Veterinary Office (CVO) intercepted processed meat products from Cebu illegally shipped via the Escalante City port.
“That memo I issued is a reminder lang na we are being challenged every day,” said Lacson.
The Escalante LGU pledged to tighten biosecurity measures at their seaport, he added.
Last week, the Cadiz CVO confiscated 20 kilos of chorizo from an online seller.
Dr. Josue Rabang, Cadiz CVO head, said even if the seller produced pertinent documents for the processed meat products, they would still confiscate the items.
An existing executive order from the provincial government bans the entry of pork products from areas with ASF cases, including Cebu.
While the seller was not held by authorities because there are no penalties under the executive order, Rabang said the Sangguniang Panlungsod is working on a city ordinance with sanctions./PN
