Dead pigs dumped in Itogon ravines as ASF cases rise, authorities hunt culprits

ITOGON, Benguet — Residents of Barangay Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet discovered sacks containing decaying pig carcasses dumped in several ravines, raising concerns over the improper disposal of hogs suspected to have been infected with African Swine Fever (ASF) amid an ongoing outbreak in the municipality.

According to authorities, as reported by a local media outlet, the discovery was followed by the finding of additional pig carcasses along Midas Road. Itogon Mayor Bernard S. Waclin denounced the dumping and ordered intensified monitoring and police operations to identify those responsible.

Waclin said the municipality is pursuing individuals allegedly involved in the improper disposal and possible transport or attempted sale of infected hogs. Residents were also urged to report suspicious vehicles and unusual pig deaths to authorities to help prevent further spread of the disease.

The incidents come amid an ongoing ASF situation in Itogon, with more than 70 pigs in Barangay Tuding testing positive for the disease. Depopulation has also started among pigs belonging to seven swine raisers in Sitios Baguio Gold, Yanggacan, and Cupao, while affected pigpens and farm premises have undergone disinfection.

Meanwhile, authorities have tightened restrictions on the movement of live pigs and pork products through Executive Order No. 38, issued on July 8, 2026. The order prohibits the transport of live swine, fresh or frozen pork, and processed pork products originating from or passing through Tuding.

Police checkpoints have been established to inspect shipments and verify the required veterinary documents.

To address the situation, the Municipal Agriculture Office and other concerned agencies continue to strengthen biosecurity, monitoring, disinfection, and quarantine measures as the municipality works to contain the ASF outbreak and protect its livestock industry and communities.

Previously, the worst ASF reported outbreak in Itogon was in February 2020. On February 19, 2020, the Benguet Provincial Veterinarian reported that 532 pigs had been depopulated, affecting 37 hog raisers in the three municipalities, which included Itogon, although reports did not provide a separate breakdown of how many of the 532 pigs came specifically from the town.

The ASF problem persisted in the province later that year. By August 4, 2020, more than 100 pigs had been depopulated in Benguet, with Itogon, La Trinidad, and Tuba previously identified as ASF red zones. The earlier outbreaks underscore the continuing importance of strict biosecurity, proper disposal of infected or suspected infected pigs, and controls on the movement of hogs and pork products to prevent the disease from spreading.