By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

An estimated 20 kilos of processed meat were intercepted in Negros Occidental’s Cadiz City, as the locality steps up its measures against African swine fever (ASF).

Dr. Josue Rabang, Cadiz City Veterinary Office (CVO) head, said the interception was conducted last week, when they received reports that a local online seller was selling chorizo originating from Cebu.

Rabang said his team lured the seller to sell chorizo to them.

They found out that the vendor was illegally shipping the pork products through Escalante City port.

Rabang said the team, together with the City Enforcement Unit and the Cadiz City Police Station, conducted the interception behind Cadiz City Hall.

The seller did not resist when the authorities made the confiscation.

According to Rabang, even if the seller has pertinent documents to prove that the processed meat products were safe, they would still have confiscated the items since there is an existing executive order from the Negros Occidental provincial government which bans the entry of pork products from areas with ASF cases.

The CVO head said the seized processed meat had been burned.

The seller was not arrested as there are no penalties related to the executive order.

However, Rabang said individuals may face penalties as the city’s Sangguniang Panlungsod is already creating a city ordinance against ASF.

Meanwhile, he said they will begin conducting border controls to prevent the entry of pork products.

He added that they are scheduled to hold a meeting with Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr. with regards to measures against ASF./DGB, WDJ