Marcos orders DA Western Visayas to halt ASF spread

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Western Visayas to test all pig breeding sites in the area to control the spread of the African Swine Fever (ASF).

Marcos' directive came after the regional office of DA-Western Visayas disclosed during a situation briefing in Bacolod City that cases of ASF have been reported in the area, particularly in Iloilo.

A press release from the Office of the Press Secretary stated that Marcos has ensured that all measures are in place to prevent the spread of ASF, including banning pork products from infested areas.

Last week, the municipality of Oton in Iloilo was declared a red zone after some hogs tested positive for ASF.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 460 prohibiting the exit from the red zone of live hogs and pork products, including frozen and fresh pork products, for 10 days starting October 17.

The towns near Oton have placed border control points, while other local government units were alerted to ensure that no live hogs or pork products from the red zone will reach their areas. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News