DECISIVE ENFORCEMENT OF FROZEN MEAT BAN IN ABRA CAPITAL PUSHED

June 14, 2025 Provincial

BANGUED, Abra

A decisive action to enforce a ban on frozen meat products within Bangued, Abra’s provincial capital, is being pushed by League of
Municipalities of the Philippines national president and La Paz, Abra mayor JB Bernos. An early intervention signalling his strong
commitment to public health and agricultural products protection in the Cordillera, Bernos called on authorities to be on their toes against illegal entry of frozen meat products that is detrimental to local production. Abra province has maintained strict restrictions on the entry of live swine, raw meat, and all forms of frozen or processed pork since 2019.

This measure was implemented as a crucial defense against the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), a highly contagious and devastating disease for pig populations. Despite the existing ban, incidents of frozen meat confiscation indicate ongoing challenges in its full
enforcement. Bernos emphasized that rigorous adherence to the policy is paramount to safeguard the health and well- being of residents not only in Bangued but across the entire province. In a concrete example of this renewed tact, a delivery truck carrying boxes of frozen meat was intercepted Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025, along the highway leading to the capital.

Authorities confirmed that appropriate charges will be filed against both the driver and the owner of the illicit goods, and the confiscated
meat will be disposed of properly. Meanwhile, Bangued is preparing for significant changes in its traffic management. Incoming Bangued Mayor Pope Cardenas recently convened with traffic police and other relevant agencies to evaluate and devise new vehicular traffic routes for the capital town. This initiative seeks to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion within Bangued which has long caused headaches among residents.

Artemio A. Dumlao/ABN