By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga 

Negros Occidental provincial government is continuously intensifying its campaign against the entry of African swine fever (ASF) into the province. 

Personnel from Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), Bacolod City Police Office and the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group are strictly banning the entry of all pork products brought by passengers coming in from Panay Island, particularly from ASF-infected towns, at BREDCO and Banago ports in Bacolod City.

NOCPPO spokesperson, Police Lt. Judesses Catalogo said several shipments of pork products have already been intercepted.

Catalogo said the personnel deployed are also the same cops who have previously carried out the COVID-19 protocols in the province.

The spokesperson also pointed out that neighboring Iloilo province is also screening passengers prior to boarding and is now becoming aware that bringing pork products to Negros Occidental is strictly prohibited.

Earlier, provincial administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz sent a request to NOCPPO for additional police personnel to be assigned to the city’s ports.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Mayor Albee Benitez earlier issued Joint Executive No.1, creating the Joint ASF Task Force.

Lacson also ordered to confiscate the undocumented shipment of live animals and animal products.

Meanwhile, Victorias City also set up its two quarantine stations to boost the province’s campaign against the dreaded hog disease.

The Victorias City Veterinary Office said the quarantine stations are located in the coastal barangays of 6-A and 9.

The stations will serve as checkpoints for all inbound fishing vessels to prevent live pigs, pork and its byproducts from entering all ports of entry in Victorias City.

Quarantine stations have also been established in other ports of entry across the province./DGB, WDJ