Ham, fireworks held at Port of Batangas

While travel went smoothly for most passengers at the Port of Batangas, several of them ran into trouble when port authorities held back their "pasalubong" of ham and fireworks.

According to GMA Regional TV Balitang Southern Tagalog Andrew Bernardo's "24 Oras" report on Friday, the Philippine Ports Authority and the Bureau of Animal Industry prohibited the transporting of pork products to Mindoro to prevent the possible spread of African swine fever.

"Nagbigay din tayo ng direktiba na sa labas ng terminal natin, magpaskil na rin na sinasabing ipinagbabawal yung papuntang Oriental Mindoro na magdala ng meat products dahil meron yata silang quarantine issue doon," said  Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Atty. Jay Daniel Santiago.

Port authorities also confiscated fireworks, another prohibited item, found in the luggage of a foreign traveler.

However, several pet owners were allowed to bring their dogs with them as they had the needed travel papers for their animal friends.

An Armed Forces serviceman was also allowed to board his ship despite having his service weapon on him as he had the needed travel permits.

"Normal lang sa amin. Kumpleto naman ang dala," said PFC Jomar Reyes. "Bakasyon lang po. Taga-Mindoro ako. Duty ako sa Mindanao." — DVM, GMA Integrated News