THE Iloilo City Government has hired 40 personnel in an effort to maintain the metropolis’ African Swine Fever (ASF)-free status.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said Task Force ASF has augmented preventive measures against the possible entry of ASF in the city.

He said City Veterinarian Dr. Tomas Forteza reported the seizure of siomai packs from Antipolo, among the areas covered by the ban of pork products from specific origins. The seized items have been subjected to laboratory tests in Manila.

“We should be stricter as we want to make sure that Iloilo City will remain ASF-free. That is why the city has invested on additional manpower to closely monitor our markets and boundaries,” Treñas said.

“One challenge is the closed delivery vehicles because we cannot see what is inside all the time,” he added.

Executive Assistant Mark Ryan Acap said the personnel have been deployed to ports to ensure the strict surveillance and tracing of meat products passing through entry points. (PR)