The Cebu Provincial Government has strengthened border security following an attempt to smuggle live hogs into a coastal area in Ronda town, Cebu. This comes amid a 45-day temporary ban on hog entry due to the threat of African Swine Fever (ASF).
Attempted Smuggling Foiled
In a text message to SunStar Cebu on July 8, 2026, Ronda Public Information Officer (PIO) Romil Jerusalem confirmed that there was an attempt to smuggle live hogs, but it failed after being stopped by the police.
“In port of Ronda negative. In one of the coastal areas there was an attempt but wala naka-dock nibalik sa agi kay gibadlong sa Ronda PNP,” Jerusalem said. He explained that no illegal activity occurred at the port of Ronda, but some individuals tried to evade strict inspections.
Smuggling via Small Ports
According to a Facebook post by the Province of Cebu on July 7, the alleged illegal entry of live hogs was carried out through small ports in Ronda, Santander, Dumanjug, and Tabuelan, originating from Negros and other parts of the Visayas affected by ASF.
“The reports said the hogs were being transported through smaller ports in the municipalities of Ronda, Santander, Dumanjug and Tabuelan,” the post stated. The hogs were reportedly transported late at night or early morning to avoid checkpoints.
Executive Order and Governor's Warning
To protect Cebu's hog industry, the Capitol issued Executive Order No. 39 on July 7 after confirming ASF cases in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, and La Libertad, Negros Oriental. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro met with hog raisers and warned against those behind the smuggling.
“We need urgent action here. Sampolan nato na sila,” Baricuatro said.
Cebu Remains ASF-Free
In a SunStar Cebu report, Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy assured that Cebu remains ASF-free. She said the temporary ban on entry of live hogs and processed pork products is a preventive measure to protect the province's PHP 20 billion hog industry.
