By I. Inojales | 08:15 PM, July 10, 2025
LILA, BOHOL — The town of Lila has officially recorded its first suspected case of African Swine Fever (ASF), with Mayor Arturo Jed Piollo II confirming that at least 10 pigs in Barangay Candulang have died due to the virus.
According to the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), the infections reportedly began as early as June 27, 2025, but were only reported to authorities on July 4.
Initial contact tracing revealed that the infection likely came from a resident who transported pigs from the neighboring town of Valencia — a previously affected area.
Suspected ASF cases have also emerged in the nearby barangays of Macalingan, Cogon, and Banban, where pig deaths have likewise been reported.
In response, authorities have set up a border checkpoint in Barangay Candulang to prevent the transport of pigs to other barangays. Mayor Piollo also ordered heightened surveillance and strict implementation of biosecurity and preventive measures across all barangays to contain the spread.
The mayor expressed regret over the lack of government aid for affected residents, explaining that no financial assistance can be provided under current policies due to the delayed reporting of the incident.
He urged the public to immediately report any suspected ASF cases to their barangay officials or directly to the MAO to prevent further spread of the virus. With a report from Helen Castaño
