Entry of hogs banned

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City has imposed a ban on the movement of live hogs, pork and pork products in and out of the city as a precaution against the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) following outbreaks in Negros Island.

Before leaving for Manila for a scheduled meeting on Sunday, Mayor Nestor Archival signed Executive Order (EO) No. 096, Series of 2026, a five-page directive prohibiting the entry and exit of live swine, pork, pork products and swine by-products within Cebu City.

The order adopts the provisions of Provincial Executive Order No. 39, which earlier imposed a 45-day ban on hog and pork shipments from Negros Island after confirmed ASF cases in Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Bacolod City.

The outbreaks have resulted in mass pig deaths and heightened concerns that the virus could spread to Cebu through its ports and markets.

Archival said the city decided to align its policy with the Cebu Provincial Government's measures to strengthen the island's defenses against the disease.

“Kung imong tan awn, we should align with Cebu Province. In fact, nag-storya nami ni Jessica (City veterinarian) nga naay study sila si Gov. [Pam Baricuatro]… We should align with what the province is saying,” Archival said.

He said Cebu City's action recognizes that most livestock shipments pass through areas under the jurisdiction of the provincial government.

“Look, kung imong tan-awn ang point of entry, basically ang pinaka daku gyud is gikan sa Province. Kay gikan sa Manila muagi sa didto sa Province mugawas. Ang ato, well, of course sa ato diri sa pier, mao gyud nay kadaghanan. But it’s easy for us kay usa raman or pila ra man ta kabuok. Pero ang nahitabo, sa province man gud maoy pinakadako nga area of entry. So I’m supporting the Gov’s call, direction. Actually, it’s not only Gov, it’s the provincial government,” Archival said.

The executive order was prepared following consultations with Dr. Jessica Maribojoc, head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF), who has been leading the city's ASF prevention efforts.

EO 096 consolidates earlier ASF measures issued in 2023, strengthens biosecurity protocols and establishes a comprehensive framework for enforcement.

It also creates the Cebu City ASF Task Force, chaired by the DVMF and composed of representatives from the City Agriculture Office, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Cebu City Police Office, City Legal Office, Cebu Ports Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Animal Industry, Department of Agriculture, and hog raisers' and pork producers' groups.

The task force is mandated to conduct inspections, enforce quarantine and disease control measures, monitor ports and checkpoints, and coordinate public advisories.

The order likewise imposes stricter requirements on public and commercial meat establishments, including markets, slaughterhouses, supermarkets, groceries, hotels and restaurants.

These establishments are required to present veterinary health certificates, shipping permits and meat inspection documents for pork products. They must also report suspected ASF cases or violations to the DVMF and the task force within 24 hours.

Violators face the closure of establishments, seizure of stocks, revocation of permits and possible criminal charges.

Although ASF does not affect humans, it is highly fatal to hogs and has caused significant losses to the livestock industry in affected areas.

The Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Animal Industry continue to implement nationwide vaccination and biosecurity programs, with more than 400,000 vaccine doses administered since 2024. While ASF cases have declined by more than 90 percent nationwide, the outbreaks in Negros underscore the continuing threat to neighboring provinces.

The restrictions, inspections and reporting requirements will remain in effect until lifted or modified by the proper authorities, with officials warning that the measures could be extended depending on developments in the ASF situation in the region. (CEBU NEWS)