ALABEL, Sarangani (September 22, 2022) – The Provincial Veterinary (PVET) Office confiscated another 20 kilos of fresh pork meat at 3:56 pm on September 21 at the African Swine Fever (ASF) quarantine checkpoint in Barangay Maribulan.

The seized pork meat was then disposed of and burned by the quarantine personnel and staff from the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist on September 22.

According to a quarantine staff, the meat was intercepted aboard a private vehicle going to Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental from General Santos City.

The confiscation was due to violation of Section 18 (b) of Provincial Ordinance No. 2022-10-085 or the failure to present necessary permits and required documents for the transport of live hogs, pork, pork products, and by-products.

According to Redimto Hinoctan, a PVET staff, pork meat and other pork products will only be allowed to pass through the checkpoint if necessary documents are presented, such as a permit from the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), store receipts, and other necessary permits.

Hinoctan clarified they do not apprehend individuals or hold vehicles, but they provide options to those who fail to bring permits for transported pork products, which is to either go back to the place of origin or surrender the products to the personnel at the checkpoint. (Jori Mae R. Samillano/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

? Tres Besana