Authorities seized some 80 tons of giant clams shells in a raid in a remote barangay in Palawan, the biggest haul confiscated as part of the government's efforts to protect the endangered sea creatures.
In a statement, the Philippine Coast Guard said the giant clams shells were covered with sands on a beach in Barangay Johnson VI in Johnson Island in Roxas town of Palawan. The seized items have a value of P160 million in the black market.
Locally known as 'taklobo', the giant clams shells are being used to make various products that include personal accessories to house decorations and displays. Smugglers have been harvesting them as a replacement to the ivory and being sold to the black market.
Harvesting the endangered giant clams locally known as “taklobo” is prohibited under Republic Act No. 10654 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.
“This is the biggest haul of its kind in Palawan,” the PCG said in a statement.
“Violators shall be penalized with an administrative fine of up to three million pesos and suffer imprisonment of up to eight years,” it added.