LAOAG CITY: Ilocos Norte's provincial government on Tuesday assured that farmers affected by the African swine fever (ASF) would get livelihood and food aid from the government. Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc stated that at least five local government units in the province have been hit by ASF anew. The latest outbreak began in San Nicolas town and moved to Batac, Dingras, Piddig, and Laoag. According to Philippines News Agency, the Provincial Veterinary Office reported ongoing surveillance operations in the affected areas. Culling operations have been implemented within a 500-meter radius of the affected farms. Previously, ASF was recorded in 16 towns and cities in Ilocos Norte, including Laoag, Batac, and several other towns, covering more than half of the province. Governor Manotoc emphasized the importance of transparency and cooperation among hog raisers to effectively address the problem. He urged them not to hide their issues, as doing so would only prolong the problem. Dr. Loida Valenzuela, the pro vincial veterinarian, noted that despite the ASF threat, the pork supply remains stable in the province, with 627 heads as of the latest count. She stressed the importance of implementing biosecurity protocols to curb the virus's spread.