MARIA AURORA, Aurora — Authorities confiscated approximately 90.6 kilograms of frozen and processed meat products during an inspection at the public market here as part of efforts to protect the local hog industry from the threat of African Swine Fever (ASF).

The confiscation was carried out by personnel from the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), Maria Aurora Municipal Police Station (MPS), and the municipal meat inspection service.

The operation was conducted upon the directive of Mayor Ariel S. Bitong, who ordered intensified measures to protect the municipality’s swine population and hog-raising industry, as well as those in neighboring communities that could potentially be affected by the spread of ASF.

Bitong also confirmed that 164 pigs in Barangay Baubo are scheduled for culling on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, in compliance with measures prescribed by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The culling forms part of the government’s stamping-out policy, which involves the removal of affected or at-risk animals to help prevent further transmission of ASF.

Local authorities continue to monitor the situation and implement measures aimed at protecting the hog population and limiting the potential spread of the disease. (Jason de Asis)

TOP 📸 ||  90.6 KILOS OF FROZEN, PROCESSED MEAT SEIZED IN MARIA AURORA | Approximately 90.6 kilograms of frozen and processed meat products were confiscated during an inspection at the public market in Maria Aurora, Aurora, as authorities intensified measures to protect the local hog industry amid the threat of African Swine Fever (ASF). The operation involved the Municipal Agriculture Office, Maria Aurora Municipal Police Station, and municipal meat inspectors, upon the directive of Mayor Ariel S. Bitong. Meanwhile, 164 pigs in Barangay Baubo are scheduled for culling on Sept. 23 as part of the Department of Agriculture’s stamping-out policy to help prevent the spread of ASF. (Jason de Asis)