Following a recent oil spill crisis, the town of Pola in Oriental Mindoro faces another setback as African Swine Fever (ASF) infiltrates the area, leading local authorities to declare a state of calamity on November 10, 2023.

The ASF outbreak has claimed the lives of numerous backyard-raised pigs, prompting urgent measures.

Mayor Jennifer Cruz said, "The whole town na kasi paglabas at pagpasok ng baboy ay bawal na. So, the whole Pola hindi makakalabas, hindi makakapasok, hindi makaka-negosyo. Ibig sabihin kawawa 'yung mga nag-aalaga ng baboy kung hindi naman natin sila isasama."

The ASF primarily affects four low-lying barangays: Biga, Pula, Campamento, and Malibago. The town reported its first cases just this week, and culling operations are underway to control the spread of the virus.

"Nag-start na may namatay sa may Malibago, eh. Tapos hanggang nalaman nila, ibang barangay pala namamatayan na rin. Hindi rin sila nagpapakain ng kaning-baboy biglang 'yung sa kanila namamatay na lang din 'yung baboy nila tumutumba na lang," Cruz said.

The local government is alarmed by the rapid spread of the virus and appeals to the national government for assistance. The ASF outbreak also impacts the meat product supply in the town.

Mayor Cruz explained, "Bawal kaming magpakatay. Kung merong [hindi] affected 'yung barangay kailangang i-test muna namin 'yung dugo. – Tine-test muna namin."

While awaiting the official report on the total number of pig deaths due to ASF, the LGU has intensified checkpoints across all towns in Oriental Mindoro.

Eight towns are currently under a state of calamity due to the ASF outbreak: Roxas, Bansud, Mansalay, Bulalacao, Pinamalayan, Bongabong, Naujan, and Pola.