Authorities seized approximately 150 tons of fossilized giant clam shells during a raid in Sofronio Espaniola, Palawan on Monday, June 28.
The giant clam shells were confiscated from the four local residents in King’s Paradise Island Resort, Barangay Panitian, Sofronio Espaniola, Palawan during the joint operation of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Palawan and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group.
The suspects were identified as Eulogio Josos Togonon, Totong Josos, Nonoy Guliman, and Vilmor Pajardo. However, only Togonon was arrested during the operations.
According to the PCG, the seized items have a value of P250 million in the black market.
The giant clams shells, locally known as “taklobo” are being used to make various products that include personal accessories to decorations and displays. The suspects have been harvesting them as a replacement for the ivory and being sold to the black market.
The Barangay Panitian officials took custody of the confiscated items, while Togonon was brought to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) for inquest proceedings and filing of appropriate charges.
The smugglers violated Section 27 of Republic Act 9147 or the "Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.”