QUARANTINE measures were further tightened by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Negros Occidental in a bid to prevent the entry of African swine fever (ASF) into the province.
Based on a directive made by the PCG's central command, all PCG stations in the country were ordered to coordinate with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and various maritime stakeholders for the proper implementation of quarantine measures.
The PCG stated that while awaiting the result of the laboratory tests from the DA, there will be a temporary ban on the importation and distribution of pork and meat products from affected countries.
The DA has also banned the transport of live animals, meat products, and by-products without a Veterinary Health Certificate from a licensed veterinarian and a relevant shipping permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry.
The local PCG was also given orders to closely monitor the movement of live animals, especially hogs and meat products.
Last week, Provincial Veterinary Office head, Dr. Renante Decena, and Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson led the removal of Chinese pork products from major grocery stores in Bacolod City.
Among the brands ordered to be removed from market shelves include Narcissus, Heaven Temple, Ma Ling, Shabu Shabu, Sol Primo, Wang Taste of Korea, Highway, Sky Dragon, and Weilin.
Decena also assured the public there is no African swine fever in Negros Occidental.
In addition, the DA earlier announced it has recorded several "suspicious" deaths of hogs in some areas of the country.