Catanduanes: Catanduanes Gov. Patrick Alain Azanza has announced a temporary ban on the entry of live hogs, pork, and all pork byproducts into the province as a preventive measure against the spread of African swine fever (ASF).

According to Philippines News Agency, Azanza issued Executive Order No. 59, series of 2026, to safeguard public welfare and the province's hog industry from the ASF threat. The Department of Agriculture in Bicol (DA-Bicol) has confirmed ASF cases in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, on July 28; Naga City on August 5; and Nabua town on August 7.

The executive order mandates the activation and mobilization of provincial, municipal, and barangay ASF Task Forces to monitor hog populations across all barangays for disease symptoms or unusual deaths. The EO instructs immediate reporting to the provincial veterinary office for specimen collection and laboratory testing for disease confirmation.

Furthermore, Azanza has directed local government units to set up checkpoints to inspect, monitor, and seize shipments of live pigs, pork, and pork byproducts. This operation will be coordinated with the Provincial Veterinary Office, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine National Police. The province will oversee major entry points, including the Virac seaport and airport, San Andres seaport, and Bislig sub-port.

The order stipulates that all live pigs, pork, and pork by-products brought into the province by any transportation means, including those carried by passengers, will be confiscated and returned to their place of origin. Violators will face penalty under existing laws, rules, and regulations of the Department of Agriculture, National Meat Inspection Service, and Food and Drug Administration.