Cebu extends pork, live hog ban for 45 days amid ASF cases in Negros

The Cebu Provincial Government has extended for another 45 days its ban on the entry of live hogs, pork and pork products from Negros Island and other areas affected by African swine fever (ASF) as active infections continue to be reported in parts of Negros Oriental.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro signed Executive Order (EO) No. 44 on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, extending the restrictions previously imposed under EO No. 39.

The earlier order, which took effect for 45 days beginning in July, was set to expire on Aug. 21. The new directive maintains the ban as the province continues efforts to prevent ASF from reaching Cebu’s hog industry.

The restriction applies to both commercial and personal shipments of live hogs, fresh and frozen pork, and processed pork products originating from Negros Island and other ASF-affected areas.

In the order, the Provincial Government cited the continuing threat posed by the disease and the close connection between Cebu and Negros through the regular movement of people, animals and goods.

“Negros Island’s proximity to Cebu and the regular movement of persons and goods require heightened vigilance at all ports and points of entry.”

ASF is a viral disease that affects pigs and can cause serious losses in the livestock sector. Cebu authorities have focused on preventing potentially infected animals and pork products from entering the province while requiring local farms to strengthen biosecurity measures.

The extension comes as several areas in Negros Oriental continue to report active ASF infections.

According to acting Negros Oriental Provincial Veterinary Office chief Vernon Lumbania, Bindoy, Pamplona and Siaton had active cases as of Aug. 20.

Bindoy was the latest local government unit in the province to record an ASF infection.

Provincial data showed varying numbers of positive laboratory results across affected areas. Siaton recorded 31 positive results from 34 samples, while Pamplona had 28 positive and five negative results out of 33 samples.

In Bindoy, five samples tested positive while another five tested negative.

Other areas previously affected by ASF also recorded significant numbers of positive samples. Tanjay City had 39 positive and five negative results, while Amlan recorded 24 positive results from 55 samples.

Bayawan City reported 32 positive and 46 negative results from 78 samples, while Zamboanguita recorded six positive and 11 negative samples.

Lumbania said transmission in areas previously affected by ASF had been contained through tighter biosecurity measures, except for the municipalities of Bindoy, Pamplona and Siaton, where active cases remained.

He said La Libertad, Dauin, Mabinay, Canlaon City, Santa Catalina and Valencia had earlier recorded infections but subsequently produced negative results from blood samples collected from pigs.

Culling operations in affected areas have also been scheduled as part of efforts to control the spread of the disease.

Cebu first intensified its ASF prevention measures in June after infections were detected in areas of Negros Island.

On June 26, the Provincial Government issued EO No. 36, strengthening border controls and directing local government units to activate ASF task forces. The order also called for random checkpoints and increased monitoring at entry points.

This was followed by EO No. 39 on July 7, which imposed the initial 45-day ban on live hogs and pork products from Negros Island and other ASF-affected areas.

The restrictions were implemented following confirmed ASF cases in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, and La Libertad, Negros Oriental.

Under EO No. 44, inspections will remain in place at airports, ports, wharves, roll-on/roll-off facilities and private landing areas.

The Cebu Provincial Veterinary Office, law enforcement agencies, port authorities and local government units have been directed to coordinate in monitoring shipments and preventing prohibited products from entering the province.

Authorities may inspect vehicles and cargo reasonably suspected of carrying regulated or prohibited animals and products.

“Unauthorized or prohibited shipments shall be denied entry, confiscated, returned, disposed of, or otherwise handled under applicable laws, rules, and regulations,” EO 44 said.

The continuing restrictions follow several attempts to bring hogs from Negros into Cebu during the initial 45-day ban.

On July 8, authorities intercepted 42 hogs at Tangil Wharf in Dumanjug and sent them back to Negros Oriental after the shipment was found to have violated the provincial restriction.

A vessel carrying hogs also reportedly attempted to dock in Ronda on the same day but turned back after police intervention.

In Moalboal, two piglets brought into Barangay Tuble from Negros were returned after local officials discovered their entry.

Authorities also intercepted 104 live hogs worth an estimated P520,000 at a port in Barangay Poblacion, Badian, on Aug. 13. The animals had reportedly arrived from the Negros Island Region and were later euthanized and buried.

Apart from border controls, EO No. 44 directs swine farms, slaughterhouses and livestock trading operations in Cebu to tighten their internal biosecurity procedures.

The measures include limiting access by nonessential personnel, disinfecting vehicles and equipment, maintaining proper documentation for animal movement and immediately reporting pigs showing symptoms associated with ASF.

The Cebu Provincial Veterinary Office will continue monitoring developments in the province and nearby areas, using surveillance results, laboratory findings, epidemiological data and advisories from the Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Animal Industry to assess the continuing risk.

The provincial government said future decisions on whether to lift, modify or further extend the restrictions will depend on the evolving ASF situation.