MARIA AURORA, Aurora — Mayor Ariel S. Bitong warned that barangay officials who tolerate the unauthorized transport of pigs or pork products into their areas of jurisdiction may face appropriate sanctions from the municipal government as authorities intensify measures against African Swine Fever (ASF).

Bitong acknowledged the economic difficulties faced by hog raisers whose livelihood is affected by the disease, but said sacrifices are necessary to protect the municipality’s swine population and hog-raising industry from the continued threat of ASF.

He urged residents, particularly those involved in the hog-raising sector, to remain vigilant against the entry of live pigs, slaughtered pork, frozen meat, and processed pork products into their barangays without proper authorization.

The mayor also appealed to residents to immediately report suspicious movement of pigs or pork products to local authorities as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the disease within Maria Aurora and to other areas of the province.

As part of the municipality’s ASF response, more than 90.2 kilograms of frozen and processed pork products being sold at the public market and local talipapas were confiscated and subsequently destroyed.

Meanwhile, 182 pigs in Barangay Baubo underwent culling on the morning of Sept. 23, 2026, as part of measures to contain the disease.

The culling operation was jointly carried out by the Maria Aurora Municipal Agriculture Office, Provincial Veterinary Office of Aurora, and representatives of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III.

Bitong also discussed the compensation provided under the government’s ASF response program. He said registered piggery operators covered by the Department of Agriculture’s Registry System for Basic Sectors (RSBS) may receive compensation equivalent to 90 percent of the value of each pig subjected to culling, while unregistered raisers or individual backyard hog raisers may receive 20 percent, subject to applicable government guidelines and validation.

The municipal government said it will continue monitoring the movement of live pigs and pork products and enforcing measures aimed at preventing further transmission of ASF in the municipality. (Jason de Asis)