DUMAGUETE CITY, March 11 -- The first batch of 145 live hogs from South Cotabato that is free from African swine fever (ASF) arrived in this Negros Oriental capital last weekend amid high prices of pork in the market.

Another 140 more heads will be coming this week, according to Jaymar Vilos, designated information officer of the Provincial Veterinarian Office (PVO).

The first two shipments and forthcoming deliveries are expected to stabilize pork prices in the capital and in other parts of the province, Vilos told the Philippine News Agency on Monday.

"The live hogs were immediately brought to the city slaughterhouse and delivered to the public market and consignees," he said.

Vilos said the move was part of the provincial government...