The City Government of Zamboanga has banned temporarily the entry of live pigs, pork products, and pork by-products, and hog transport from Basilan as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF).

Mayor Khymer Olaso issued an executive order on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, imposing a temporary ban after ASF cases were confirmed in Lamitan City, Basilan.

Based on the recommendation of the Office of the City Veterinarian (OCVet), the temporary ban aims to protect Zamboanga City from the entry of ASF, which poses a serious threat to the local hog industry.

The order said OCVet personnel and other concerned city offices are directed to monitor strictly all entry points, enforce biosecurity protocols, and inspect documents of hogs and pork products arriving from Basilan.

Animal samples may also be collected for laboratory testing when necessary.

The city government also urged hog raisers, traders, and residents to observe proper hygiene and biosecurity measures and to avoid spreading unverified information related to ASF.

According to the local government of Lamitan, up to 284 dead pigs raised by 113 hog raisers have tested positive for ASF after blood samples taken from the animals were examined.

Because of this, the local government has intensified the implementation of containment measures in the city, including depopulation, strict enforcement of biosecurity protocols, and movement restrictions through quarantine checkpoints.

The local government also urged residents to report immediately pigs that show signs of the illness or pigs that have died to allow authorities to conduct proper inspection and monitoring.