Section 20Sec./Art. 20

Creation of the Animal Emergency Response Task Force. - The AERTF is hereby created at the regional level and may be activated by the appropriate authority in the event of or in anticipation of any animal pest or epidemic incident, or when there is a suspected or confirmed case of emerging or re-emerging transboundary animal or zoonotic disease. The BAI is designated as the overall coordinating government body of the AERTF and shall activate the AERTF. The AERTF shall be composed of key officials or designated representative from the following agencies:

(a) Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office;

(b) Office of Civil Defense - Regional Office;

(c) Department of the Interior and Local Government - Regional Office;

(d) Department of Health - Regional Office;

(e) Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Regional Office;

(f) Philippine National Police and/or Philippine Army - Regional Command;

(g) Provincial Governor, Provincial Agriculturist, and Provincial Veterinarian;

(h) Mayors of the affected municipalities/cities;

(i) Other science experts on the case; and

(j) Two (2) industry representatives from the affected animal subsector.

The provincial, municipal, or city veterinarian, as applicable, shall, within twenty-four (24) hours, report any event of notifiable and reportable animal pest or disease incident to the BAI.

In the event of a multiregional pest or epidemic incident, a national body shall immediately be formed, under the direction and command of the Office of the President, to address such pest or epidemic incident.