CEBU CITY – Undocumented hogs were seized in Dumanjug, Cebu just as the province intensified its campaign against smuggling.
AUTHORITIES seize close to 100 pigs after they were shipped to Dumanjug town, Cebu without necessary permits. (Photo from Dumanjug, Cebu)
Authorities intercepted on Saturday night, Oct. 26, a motorized banca carrying 79 undocumented pigs on the shoreline of Barangay Kanyuko.
They were intercepted a day after Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia signed an executive order (EO) creating an Anti-Smuggling Inter-Agency Task Force to combat the illegal transport of livestock and goods in the province.
Garcia issued the EO due to reports of illegal shipment of undocumented livestock, such as hogs, goods, and other cargoes on the shorelines of several barangays in southern and western parts of Cebu.
Dumanjug Mayor Efren Guntrano "Gungun" Gica confirmed the successful interception of undocumented pigs.
In coordination with the Municipal Livestock Coordinator and the Philippine Coast Guard, authorities discovered an abandoned motor banca alongside a Mazda truck and a Suzuki multicab loaded with the undocumented pigs.
Gica said that according to some barangay captains, boats from Negros Island frequently dock on Dumanjug's coastline, facilitating the transport of smuggled pigs into Cebu.
The Coast Guard has taken possession of the intercepted banca while investigations to identify those responsible for the smuggling operation are in progress.
The governor pointed out that shipping of undocumented pigs pose health risks as undocumented livestock could enter the market without proper regulatory approval.
The governor ordered heightened vigilance, instructing 11 mayors from southern Cebu municipalities to form local task groups aimed at monitoring and combating the illegal transport of livestock and goods through coastal areas.
Concerns regarding the integrity of local law enforcement have also surfaced, with allegations that some Dumanjug police officers may have been involved in the smuggling activities. Three officers have reportedly faced relief from their posts due to these allegations.