Mouth-watering roasted pigs or lechon are displayed in front of a store in La Loma, Quezon City in this undated photo. The city government on Thursday (Nov. 13, 2025) said 14 lechon stores were temporarily closed after some pigs tested positive for African swine fever. (PNA file photo)
The Quezon City government has ordered the temporary closure of 14 lechon stores in La Loma after several pigs were found positive for African swine fever (ASF), prompting swift containment measures in one of Metro Manila’s most iconic food districts.
According to a statement released Thursday, the discovery was made during routine inspections jointly conducted by the City Veterinary Department (CVD) and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) on Wednesday. Authorities recommended the immediate culling of the affected pigs to halt any potential spread of the disease.
The Business Permits and Licensing Department issued Temporary Closure Orders the same evening, following the recommendations of the BAI, CVD, and the City Health Department.
City officials emphasized that the incident remains an isolated case, adding that aggressive disinfection efforts and movement control are now in place. Checkpoints have been deployed around La Loma to regulate the entry and exit of live pigs, while disinfection activities began immediately in the affected establishments.
ASF is a highly contagious virus among pigs but does not pose any threat to humans.
Local officials met with impacted business owners on Thursday to address concerns on safety protocols, food handling, and operational adjustments. The city assured them of assistance to help stores comply with health requirements and eventually resume operations.
Authorities also urged the public to remain cautious and selective when buying meat products as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard consumer health.