ILOILO CITY – The town of Oton in Iloilo province declared a state of calamity on Thursday, Oct. 20, due to the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF).
In a radio interview with RMN Iloilo, Vice Mayor Jose Neil Olivares said that the Oton Municipal Council convened a special session on Thursday to pass a resolution placing the town under a state of calamity.
The declaration would enable the local government to access the calamity fund to address concerns regarding ASF.
According to Olivares, five barangays are already affected by ASF.
However, Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said that nine barangays are affected.
Citing data from the Iloilo Provincial Veterinary Office, Defensor said in press conference Thursday that affected barangays were Bita Norte, Bita Sur, Cabuluan Norte, Cabuluan Sur, Santa Monica, Abilay Norte, Tagbak Norte, Galang, and Buray.
Six pigs have died from ASF in a semi-commercial hog farm in Oton. They exhibited symptoms such as high fever and bled from the orifices.
Almost 400 hogs have been culled to stop the spread of ASF in Oton.