BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) reminded Negros Occidental-bound sea travelers that pork and pork byproducts are still prohibited as part of protocols against the African Swine Fever (ASF).
In an advisory released in line with the ongoing Holy Week exodus, PPA reiterated that pork products such as longanisa, tocino, siomai, ham, bacon, and chicharon from areas with confirmed ASF cases are banned from entering the province.
Sea travelers are also advised not to bring deadly weapons.
The PPA may confiscate other items from passengers based on the guidelines set by the local government units and national government agencies.
The Bacolod City and Negros Occidental governments released a joint executive order banning pork products from areas affected by ASF.
Moreover, poultry and its byproducts are prohibited from entering Bacolod City and Negros Occidental as part of safeguards against avian influenza or bird flu.
On Tuesday, April 4, the joint ASF and Bird Flu Task Force stationed at the Bredco port intercepted several pork and poultry shipments from Iloilo.
Among the items confiscated were pork and poultry products which will be returned to their places of origin./PN
