By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

An estimated 18 kilograms of meat products were confiscated last Friday, December 11, at the Bacolod-Silay Airport.

Provincial Veterinary Officer (PVO), Dr. Renante Decena, said the meat products were brought by an authorized person outside of residence (APOR) from Manila.

The shipment was blocked and seized by members of the provincial government’s African Swine Fever Task Force when they ordered the APOR to open and reveal the contents of the styro box.

Decena said a notice of violation and confiscation order was issued to the APOR, and the meat shipment was immediately destroyed.

The PVO head also said they are presently doubling their monitoring at the province’s entry points to block the arrival of pork products coming from Luzon and Mindanao to avoid the spread of the African Swine Fever (ASF).

Among the areas being guarded by the task force are the Bredco port in Bacolod City and Danao Port in Escalante City. The task force is also monitoring the border with Negros Oriental.

Decena also advised individuals, especially those who will be going home in Negros Occidental for the holidays, to avoid bringing meat products in to the province.

The entry of pork products in Negros Occidental is currently prohibited, after an outbreak of ASF was monitored in Luzon and Mindanao./DGB, WDJ