BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – An estimated 20 kilos of processed meat were intercepted by the Cadiz City Veterinary Office (CVO) as the locality steps up its measures against African swine fever (ASF).
Dr. Josue Rabang, Cadiz CVO head, said the interception was made a week ago. They received information that a local online seller was allegedly selling chorizo from Cebu province. It was also found out that the seller was illegally shipping the pork products via the Escalante City port.
The team was accompanied by the City Enforcement Unit and the Cadiz City Police Station.
According to Rabang, even if the seller produced pertinent documents for the processed meat products, they would still confiscate the items.
An existing Executive Order from the provincial government of Negros Occidental bans the entry of pork products from areas with ASF cases, including Cebu.
The seized processed meat products were destroyed, while the seller was not held by authorities; there are no penalties under the executive order.
However, Rabang said the Sangguniang Panlungsod is working on a city ordinance with sanctions; individuals caught in the future may face penalties.
In the meantime, Rabang said they will begin conducting border controls to prevent the entry of pork products from areas with ASF cases.
The CVO is also scheduled to hold a meeting with Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. on this./PN
