November 5, 2024
The hogs were originally intercepted on October 26 by police and local officials after being abandoned on a pump boat from Negros Island. The animals were found along the shoreline of Barangay Kanyuko, where they were confiscated in accordance with Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s Executive Order (EO) 16, which mandates the seizure of undocumented livestock entering the province’s coastal areas. The measure aims to curb the illegal transport of livestock and protect public health.
Dumanjug Mayor Efren Guntrano Gica explained that the roasted pigs were a practical solution to dispose of the confiscated animals while providing an unexpected treat for residents visiting the public cemeteries. He said that turning the hogs into lechon "minimized potential health risks" and ensured the proper handling of the seized livestock in a transparent manner.
The hogs were originally intercepted on October 26 by police and local officials after being abandoned on a pump boat from Negros Island. The animals were found along the shoreline of Barangay Kanyuko, where they were confiscated in accordance with Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s Executive Order (EO) 16, which mandates the seizure of undocumented livestock entering the province’s coastal areas. The measure aims to curb the illegal transport of livestock and protect public health.
Dumanjug Mayor Efren Guntrano Gica explained that the roasted pigs were a practical solution to dispose of the confiscated animals while providing an unexpected treat for residents visiting the public cemeteries. He said that turning the hogs into lechon "minimized potential health risks" and ensured the proper handling of the seized livestock in a transparent manner.
Gica took to Facebook to announce the lechon feast, inviting locals to enjoy the roasted pork as part of the All-Souls' Day observances. His post quickly garnered attention, with many residents expressing gratitude for the gesture.
"Instead of throwing the hogs away or selling them, I thought it made more sense to roast them and share them with the people," Gica wrote. "I followed the proper protocols to ensure this was done legally and responsibly."
Although there were no signs of disease, such as African swine fever, in the seized hogs, Gica was mindful of potential health risks. "The key here is transparency and ensuring the health and safety of the community," he emphasized.
"Instead of throwing the hogs away or selling them, I thought it made more sense to roast them and share them with the people," Gica wrote. "I followed the proper protocols to ensure this was done legally and responsibly."
Although there were no signs of disease, such as African swine fever, in the seized hogs, Gica was mindful of potential health risks. "The key here is transparency and ensuring the health and safety of the community," he emphasized.
Local authorities, including the municipal agriculture and veterinary offices, confirmed that the hogs did not show any symptoms of African swine fever or other infectious diseases. Nonetheless, Gica ensured that the distribution of the lechon adhered to health and safety protocols, with each hog being roasted at a cost of P1,000.
Gica clarified that the initiative was not politically motivated but was instead focused on ensuring public health while giving back to the community. "This is not about politics—it's about being transparent, responsible, and ensuring that we handle these animals in the safest way possible," he said.
Gica clarified that the initiative was not politically motivated but was instead focused on ensuring public health while giving back to the community. "This is not about politics—it's about being transparent, responsible, and ensuring that we handle these animals in the safest way possible," he said.
The roasting of the seized hogs comes shortly after Governor Garcia’s issuance of EO 16 on October 25, which created an "Anti-Smuggling Inter-Agency Task Force" to combat the illegal transport of livestock. The order includes stringent measures for intercepting undocumented animals entering Cebu and gives local authorities the power to confiscate and dispose of them as needed.
Under the new executive order, the handling of smuggled livestock has become stricter, with local governments now authorized to determine how seized animals are to be disposed of. Previously, undocumented livestock had to be returned through proper channels; now, the authorities can confiscate the animals and decide the most appropriate course of action.
Gica’s office has also proposed a local ordinance to impose fines on those caught transporting undocumented hogs. He pointed out that complying with legal livestock entry requirements is inexpensive—costing as little as P50 to P100—while smuggling can rack up expenses as high as P20,000 per pump boat landing.
Under the new executive order, the handling of smuggled livestock has become stricter, with local governments now authorized to determine how seized animals are to be disposed of. Previously, undocumented livestock had to be returned through proper channels; now, the authorities can confiscate the animals and decide the most appropriate course of action.
Gica’s office has also proposed a local ordinance to impose fines on those caught transporting undocumented hogs. He pointed out that complying with legal livestock entry requirements is inexpensive—costing as little as P50 to P100—while smuggling can rack up expenses as high as P20,000 per pump boat landing.
While Gica sympathized with the livelihood challenges of some residents from Negros who rely on livestock trading, he urged them to adhere to the proper legal channels for transporting livestock. "It's better to follow the legal procedures," Gica said. "It’s not only safer but also more cost-effective."
As he prepares to run for reelection in 2025, Gica's handling of the seized hogs has drawn praise from many in the community. His decision to turn what could have been a health hazard into a community celebration has been seen as a thoughtful and practical solution to a complex issue.
As he prepares to run for reelection in 2025, Gica's handling of the seized hogs has drawn praise from many in the community. His decision to turn what could have been a health hazard into a community celebration has been seen as a thoughtful and practical solution to a complex issue.