MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has heightened its border security against entry of imported agricultural products especially pork due to the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in some parts of Asia and Europe.
The agency has commissioned 15 sniffing dos at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and about 100 quarantine officers deployed at all seaports and airports across the country.
Filipino travelers coming from ASF-affected countries are advised not to bring into the country processed pork or pork-based products as these will be confiscated.
“Sinabi namin sa Department of Transportation na kung maaari magkaroon sila ng advisory sa lahat ng airlines na bago sumakay ang mga pasahero , mawarningan na sila na bawal mag-hand carry ng karne papuntang Pilipinas,” Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol said.
(We asked the Department of Transportation to issue an advisory to all airlines calling on them to warn passengers against bringing pork products in flight.)
“At before landing mag-a-advise na on air na bawal magdala ng karne sa Pilipinas (dahil) may fine na P200,000,” he added.
(Before landing as well, they should advise on air that it is prohibited to bring in pork meat into the Philippines because there is a fine of P200,000.)
Piñol said he would ask President Rodrigo Duterte to provide more funds for the purchase of additional x-ray machines.
“We really have to watch out for this because it could have devastating effect on the economy,” he explained.
“In fact, tumaas ang inflation rate ng China because tumaas ang presyo ng baboy at nag-iimport na sila ngayon instead of exporting,” he added.
(In fact, China’s inflation rate shot up because of the increase in prices of pork and they have to import [pork] unlike before they were exporting.)
The Agriculture Secretary confirmed, however, that so far the country remains ASF free. – (with reports from Nel Maribojoc)
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