18/07/2026
The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), led by Gov. Aris Aumentado, commended the swift and coordinated response of authorities following the interception of 35 illegally transported live piglets in Getafe on July 15, 2026, strengthening efforts to protect the province from African Swine Fever (ASF).
Personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Getafe and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Substation Getafe initially intercepted 26 piglets aboard FBCA Koy and Tin Express without the required documents. Follow-up operations in Barangay Salog recovered nine more piglets, bringing the total to 35.
The animals, traced to Barangay Sonog, San Francisco, Cebu, were intended for delivery to Bohol in violation of Executive Order No. 28, signed by Gov. Aumentado, imposing a 60-day temporary ban on the entry of live pigs and pork products.
The piglets were turned over to the Getafe Municipal ASF Inter-Agency Task Force through the Municipal Agriculture Office, in coordination with the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV), before their eventual turnover to the OPV for proper disposition following veterinary and biosecurity protocols. The vessel remains under PCG custody pending investigation.
The operation reinforces the PGBh's commitment to safeguarding agriculture, food security, and livelihoods under its Strategic Governance Roadmap in Bohol, the country's first UNESCO Global Geopark.
Authorities successfully intercepted an illegal transport of 35 live piglets on July 15, 2026, according to a report released by the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV).
The joint enforcement operation was carried out by the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Getafe and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Getafe Substation after authorities intercepted 26 live piglets being transported aboard FBCA Koy and Tin Express.
It was confirmed that the shipment of the piglets was illegal, as there was no proper documentation.
Initial investigations revealed that the piglets originated from Barangay Sonog, located in San Francisco, a town situated on Pacijan Island, which is part of the Camotes group of islands in Cebu.
The live piglets were intended for delivery to Bohol, in violation of the provinceโs animal movement regulations based on the latest Executive Order (EO) No. 28 signed by Gov. Aris Aumentado on July 3.
The EO has imposed a 60-day temporary ban on the entry of live pigs, pork, pork products, and other regulated commodities following confirmed African Swine Fever (ASF) cases in Negros Island.
Furthermore, upon learning that additional piglets from the same shipment had already been unloaded, authorities immediately conducted follow-up operations in Barangay Salog, Getafe.
The follow-up operation successfully traced and secured nine more live piglets, bringing the total number of intercepted animals to 35.
All 35 live piglets remained in the custody of the concerned authorities while the mandatory 24-hour holding period was observed.
The animals were also immediately transferred to a Local Government Unit (LGU) vehicle for safe transport and were turned over to the Getafe Municipal ASF Inter-Agency Task Force.
This was made possible through coordination with the Municipal Agriculture Office and the OPV, headed by Dr. Meydallyn Paman, with the animals having undergone the required quarantine and biosecurity procedures pending further disposition.
Upon completion of the required holding period, the animals were formally turned over to the OPV for proper disposition through depopulation in accordance with existing veterinary laws, rules, regulations, and established disease prevention and control protocols.
Furthermore, the vessel involved in the illegal transport was placed under the custody of the PCG pending further investigation and appropriate action by the concerned authorities.
The operation prevented the unauthorized entry of the animals into the province and reinforced Boholโs intensified efforts to protect its livestock industry from the threat of ASF.
Gov. Aumentado commended the swift and coordinated response of the first responders and apprehending authorities, particularly the personnel of the PNP-Getafe and the PCG Substation Getafe.
The successful operation reflects the PGBhโs steadfast commitment to protecting every Boholano through proactive governance and strengthened biosecurity measures, aligned with its Strategic Governance Roadmap.
These law enforcement initiatives are to ensure resilient agriculture, protection of livelihoods, and food security in Bohol, a UNESCO Global Geopark.
