Dar ‘competent enough’ to lead fight vs ASF – Panelo

MANILA, Philippines — Agriculture Sec. William Dar continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of President Rodrigo Duterte in battling the African swine fever (ASF), Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said Monday.

This is despite the reported spread of ASF to Pangasinan from being initially found in parts of Bulacan, Quezon City, and Rizal.

READ: Swine fever cases in Central Luzon confirmed | 80% of global swine fever deaths are in PH 

“I’m sure the Secretary of Agriculture is competent enough to handle the situation. He hasn’t said anything about not handling it. Easily he’s doing something about it,” Panelo said in a press briefing, admitting the tedious task to contain the virus.

Panelo also said it’s up to local government units to ban the entry of pork from their areas to protect their constituents.

Although not considered harmful to humans, the ASF could kill pigs which could be detrimental to the industry. The Philippines is the world’s 8th biggest pork producer by volume and its swine industry is estimated at P260 billion ($5 billion), according to the Department of Agriculture.

A resolution to investigate the ASF outbreak has been filed in the House of Representatives./ac

READ: House body to probe swine fever outbreak