Coast guard seizes helmet shells

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has intercepted a shipment of helmet shells in Zamboanga City, an official said Saturday.

Gathering of helmet shells is prohibited under Republic Act 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998. The Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species prohibits its international trade.

Zamboanga Coast Guard Station commander Elizer Dalnay said the helmet shells placed in a sack were confiscated aboard a passenger-cargo ferry, which arrived Friday morning coming from Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay province.

Dalnay said the owner of the shells abandoned the cargo upon sensing the arrival of the Coast Guard personnel.

Helmet shells are being used as decorations; some are carved into cameos and also used in producing watch parts. (Sunnex)