ASF threat looms: Tinglayan LGU sets up bio-security, quarantine checkpoints for hogs and meat products

TINGLAYAN, Kalinga – The Municipality of Tinglayan has established biosecurity and quarantine checkpoints for live swine and pork products entering, leaving or passing through the town amid the continuing threat of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the region.

The measure was ordered through Executive Order No. 35, Series of 2026, signed by Mayor Charles Abay, establishing ASF checkpoints at designated entry and exit points, strategic road networks, and provincial and national highways.

Although Tinglayan has no reported ASF outbreak, Abay said the preventive measure is necessary to protect local backyard and commercial hog raisers from what he described as a potentially “catastrophic economic threat.”

Under the order, live swine, fresh or frozen pork, processed pork products and swill feed may not enter, leave or pass through Tinglayan without the required documents and clearance.

For live hogs, transporters must present a Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC) issued by a licensed veterinarian, a Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) Animal Shipping Permit, and a certificate confirming the originating facility’s ASF-free status.

Pork meat and processed pork products, meanwhile, must be accompanied by a Meat Inspection Certificate (MIC) issued by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) or an accredited local government meat inspector, as well as a Certificate of Accreditation for the Meat Transport Vehicle (MTV).

The transport of swill feed, locally known as lamaw or food scraps intended for hog consumption, is strictly prohibited within Tinglayan.

Kalinga remains on ASF watch

Tinglayan’s move comes as Kalinga continues to strengthen its defenses against ASF.

The provincial government is enforcing Executive Order No. 2024-53, which temporarily restricts the entry and purchase of live hogs, poultry and other animals, as well as animal products and by-products, from areas with confirmed ASF or Avian Influenza cases. The order was reiterated by the province in September 2026.

With ASF remaining a threat to the local swine industry, Tinglayan’s checkpoint system is intended to prevent potentially infected animals and pork products from entering the municipality and reaching local hog raisers.

Violators face sanctions

Violators of the executive order may face administrative and legal sanctions, including the immediate impounding of transported animals, pork products and vehicles, as well as administrative fines authorized under existing municipal revenue and sanitation ordinances.

The order also provides for possible criminal charges under applicable national laws and administrative issuances governing animal health, food safety and disease control.

The municipal government is urging traders, transporters and hog raisers to comply with the documentary and biosecurity requirements to help prevent the entry and spread of ASF in Tinglayan.