ILOILO CITY — Police arrested a 63-year-old woman in northern Iloilo province for illegal possession of endangered giant clam shells locally known as taklobo worth P4.2 million.
GIANT clam shells were seized in Gigantes Sur Island, Carles town, Iloilo province. (Iloilo Maritime Police Station)
The suspect was identified as Evelyn, a 63-year-old resident of Barangay Lantangan, Gigantes Island Sur, in Carles town, the northernmost town of Iloilo.
Lawmen recovered 70 sacks of giant clam shells weighing around 2,800 kilograms following information from a concerned resident that Evelyn had sacks of giant clam shells at the back of her store.
Under the law, a permit is needed for possession of giant clam shells.
Police said that Evelyn might be engaged in illegal trading of giant clam shella as they can sell for a hefty price.
Police were backed by the Bantay Dagat of the Carles local government unit.
Evelyn was charged for violating Republic Act No. 10654 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.