Trucks, closed vans, and large vehicles are being inspected strictly on the highway in Barangay Turbina, Calamba City, Laguna as authorities enforce stricter measures to prevent African Swine Fever (ASF) from spreading.

The Calamba City Veterinary Office, along with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Quarantine, Public Order and Safety Office (POSO), and other local agencies, has intensified border control inspections.

These measures are important given Calamba’s proximity to Batangas, which is in a state of calamity due to ASF.

"May mga ilan-ilan po [na dumadaan] pero may mga papel naman po 'yun eh. Tsaka 'yung iba naman, kapag walang papel, pinababalik po namin sa kung saan sila galing bayan," Michael Bedia, Pound Keeper at the Calamba City Veterinary Office, said.

Travelers are required to disembark so that their vehicles can be inspected thoroughly for any illegal pork products or live pigs.

This procedure is part of a broader strategy to prevent the illegal transport of meat and live animals.

"Eh ayos laang po 'yun, tama lang  po 'yun... para ma-check din po 'yung laman namin," Pedro Bertodo, a truck passenger, said.

Trabaho naman po nila 'yun para maging maayos sa atin," Francis Casaol, another passenger, added.

The police are also involved in crime prevention activities, which include monitoring vehicles carrying meat and live pigs.

"Naglalagay tayo ng checkpoints sa mga boundaries, dito sa papunta ng Batangas, banda ng Sto. Tomas, and then dito sa Calamba. Ito ay daanan naman talaga ang traders," PLTCOL. Chitadel Gaoiran, Public Information Office Chief of Police Regional Office 4A, said.

In nearby Batangas, particularly at the STAR Tollway in Sto. Tomas City, an animal checkpoint has also been established. 

Vehicles carrying livestock from other areas are disinfected before being allowed entry into Batangas.