A total of 70 sacks of fossilized giant clam shells, locally known as “taklobo,” were seized by authorities from a woman in Purok 4, Barangay Lantangan, Gigantes Island, Carles, Iloilo.
The recovered shells weighed about 2,800 kilos and had an estimated market value of P4.2 million, according to the Regional Maritime Unit (RMU-6).
The suspect, identified as Evelyn Robles, 63, was arrested during an operation conducted by the Iloilo Maritime Police Station, Carles Municipal Police Station and Carles Bantay Dagat on Oct. 5.
RMU-6 head Police Colonel Ervin Glenn Provido, in a media interview, said Robles has long been engaged in the illegal trade of taklobo.
“The suspect bought the giant clams from the fisherfolk at P50 per kilo. She collected it until they accumulated up to one ton and sold them at P1.5 million per ton,” he told reporters.
Robles will be facing charges for violation of Section 102 of Republic 10654 or the Philippines Fisheries Code of 1998.
Under the law, harvesting taklobo, which has been considered endangered, is prohibited.IMT
