CEBU CITY – Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado has ordered strict border control after three barangays in Panglao Island, Bohol tested positive for African Swine Fever.
Aumentado issued Executive Order (EO) No. 13 that prohibits the transportation of live pigs, cooked or uncooked meat, pork products, and by-products from Panglao Island to mainland Bohol and other islands in the province.
Panglao Island comprises the municipalities of Panglao and Dauis. Confirmed ASF cases were detected in Barangays Mayacabac, Biking, and Mariveles in Dauis.
“I want to appeal for understanding from our fellow Boholanos. We have to be strict about this because it will affect our hog industry, not just the big-time hog breeders but also the backyard hog raisers,” said Aumentado.
Aumentado said checkpoints have been mounted to check travelers coming from Panglao Island.
The governor’s EO was issued on April 18 and will be in effect for 30 days or until May 18.
While the EO is in effect, there will be checkpoints seven days a week and 24 hours a day, said Aumentado.
Aumentado said he has met Panglao Mayor Edgardo Arcay and Dauis Mayor Roman Bullen to discuss the measures that will be taken to prevent the spread of ASF.
The Bohol governor said that those coming from Panglao Island will be given stubs that will be presented in checkpoints.
“If you have stubs, it means you have been cleared to travel to the mainland and other areas. If you don’t have stubs, your vehicle will go through a rigid inspection,” said Aumentado.
Aumentado said they have coordinated with the Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Bohol Provincial Police Office to ensure the strict implementation of the EO.
“There will be K9 teams in the checkpoints to help in the inspection of travelers.”
The Maritime Police and Bantay Dagay were asked to assist in monitoring coastal areas. “For me, we should be wary about this because the hog industry will suffer if we do not contain this. That’s why I am asking the public to cooperate with us,” said Aumentado.