Palace respects ban by some LGUs on pork products from ASF areas

Malacañang on Monday said it respected the decision of some local government units to ban the entry of live pigs and pork products from Luzon areas affected by the African swine fever.

The cities of Cebu and Davao as well as the provinces of Bohol and Negros Oriental have imposed restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of ASF, which is fatal to pigs but not harmful to humans.

“If that’s their decision, we have to respect them. They are only trying to protect their constituents,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said at a news conference.

Panelo also expressed confidence in the ability of the Department of Agriculture under Secretary William Dar to address the threat of ASF.

“I’m sure the Secretary of Agriculture is competent enough to handle this situation. He hasn’t said anything about not handling it,” he said.

The Palace spokesman added the DA has been undertaking measures to contain the viral disease after Dar confirmed the presence of ASF in Pangasinan. Previously, ASF cases were only recorded in Bulacan and Rizal.

“Kung nakalusot eh alam mo kapag merong contagion kung minsan mahirap ding pigilin,”
Panelo said. “But I understand they are taking measures to stop it.” —NB, GMA News