MANILA, Philippines?Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay ordered the city veterinary office on Monday to thoroughly inspect slaughterhouses and ensure the safety of meats in its nine private and public markets.

Binay directed Dr. Jacinto Jaime Inocencio III, the Makati City Veterinary Office (MCVO) chief, to monitor the city's three abattoirs in light of the new swine flu strain that killed more than 100 people in Mexico.

?To avert a 'pig flu panic' in Makati, the MCVO meat inspectors are hereby enjoined to regularly and strictly monitor the three slaughterhouses in the city to ensure quality meat,? he said in a statement.

Inocencio assured consumers that meat sold in the city underwent strict compliance to health standards.

He said local meat distributors were required to present veterinary health certificates issued from the place of origin before the products could be distributed and sold in Makati.

?We also implement Makati city ordinance No. 97-016 where we require meat handlers, dealers and butchers alike to secure licenses and permits in relation to meat slaughtering and handling,? added Inocencio.

Consumers are also advised to ask for the clearance certificates issued by the MCVO to meat sellers to make sure the products passed quality control by the National Meat Inspection Services (NMIS).

Inocencio also urged the public to report suspicious meats being sold in the markets to the MCVO hotline at 7571413 for proper action. With a report from Rachel Miranda, Inquirer trainee