CEBU CITY – Authorities arrested a 46-year-old farmer for selling endangered giant clams locally known as “taklobo” worth P30 million in Barangay Bongoyan, Borbon, Cebu on Wednesday, Oct. 12.
The suspect was identified as Anecito Pogado of Barangay Bongoyan.
Pogado was nabbed in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bongoyan by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Lapu-Lapu City Field Unit (CIDG-LCFU), 300th Air Intelligence Security Wing of the Philippine Air Force, Naval Forces Central, and personnel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Seized from Pogado were at least 120 giant clams weighing around two tons with an estimated value of P30 million.
According to the CIDG-LCFU, headed by Capt. Nigel Sanoy, the giant clams were being sold abroad for at least P15,000 each.
Sanoy said harvesting, possessing, and selling of giants clams is punishable under Republic Act (RA) 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 as amended by RA 10654.
Giant clams are considered endangered species.
Sanoy said Pogado was placed under surveillance by the CIDG intelligence group due to reports that he was selling giant clams in Barangay Bongoyan.
Pogado was confirmed to be selling giant clams and a case build-up was conducted until the suspect was arrested.