By I. Inojales | 02:03 PM July 23, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — Authorities in Bohol have confiscated 40 undocumented live pigs transported from Cebu after intercepting an illegal livestock shipment in the coastal town of Getafe, the second such seizure in the municipality within a week as officials intensify efforts to keep African Swine Fever (ASF) out of the province.
The pigs were intercepted July 19 along the shoreline of Barangay San Jose by a joint team from the Municipal Agriculture Office of Getafe, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police and barangay officials after receiving reports of an unauthorized shipment.
Investigators said the animals were being loaded onto an unregistered livestock transport vehicle and were not accompanied by a Bureau of Animal Industry shipping permit or a valid ASF-negative laboratory test result, both of which are required for the transport of live hogs.
The shipment was placed under custody at the Interim Veterinary Quarantine Holding Facility in Getafe, and the claimant was given 24 hours to submit the required documents.
After no documents were produced, the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian issued a Notice of Violation and Confiscation Receipt on July 20.
The 40 pigs were later humanely euthanized and buried in accordance with Provincial Ordinance No. 2025-034 and established biosecurity protocols to prevent the possible spread of ASF.
Authorities supervised the cleaning and disinfection of the transport vehicle before releasing it to its registered owner on July 21, without prejudice to any regulatory action that may be taken by the Bureau of Animal Industry Veterinary Quarantine Service.
Provincial veterinary authorities classified the shipment as a high veterinary risk and said the operation underscored the importance of strict quarantine enforcement and border surveillance to protect Bohol’s hog industry.
The seizure came five days after authorities intercepted another illegal shipment of 35 piglets in Getafe, highlighting continued attempts to transport undocumented swine into the province.
Bohol is also enforcing a 60-day ban on the entry of live pigs, pork and pork products from Negros Island under Executive Order No. 28, signed by Gov. Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado. The order took effect July 3 and strengthened veterinary quarantine and border inspection measures to prevent the entry of ASF and protect the province’s livestock industry and food security.
