ASF state of calamity in 5 more Mindoro towns

MANILA, Philippines — A state of calamity has been declared in five more towns in Oriental Mindoro due to the spread of African swine fever (ASF).

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the request of Gov. Humerlito Dolor for the calamity declaration in Bulalacao, Bungabong, Naujan, Bansud and Pinamalayan.

Last month, a state of calamity was declared in Mansalay and Roxas towns.

Dolor said the provincial government has procured more test kits to mitigate the spread of the swine disease.

He gave assurance that the spread of ASF in the province is under control.

Dolor said he directed concerned local government units to hire more personnel to focus on containing the spread of ASF.

Despite the spread of the swine disease in more areas in Oriental Mindoro, Dolor said the town of Naujan, which was previously classified under ”red” zone or with confirmed cases, is now under ”pink” or ASF-free.

The province has been ASF-free in the past four years.