AUTHORITIES seized in a law enforcement operation P45 million worth of Giant Clam shells, locally known as "taklobo," in the province of Sulu, the police said Monday, December 9, 2024.
The Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MG) said the shells, weighing approximately 30 tons, were seized on Saturday, December 7, in Taglibi village, Patikul, Sulu.
Personnel of the Sulu Maritime Police Station (Sulu Marpsta) and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (Mafar)-Sulu launched the law enforcement operation after they received intelligence report about the illegal gathering and possession of the endangered species.
The joint team of Sulu Marpsta and Mafar have successfully discovered and seized the P45 million shells piled in a vacant lot in Taglibi village.
However, the police said they have launched an operation to arrest the shells owner and financier, who remain at large.
The confiscated shells were placed under the custody of Mafar Sulu for inventory and further disposition.
"An investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the shells and the extent of the illegal activity," the PNP-MG said in a statement.
"The confiscation highlights the ongoing threat to the Giant Clam population in the Sulu archipelago," the PNP-MG added.
The Giant Clam is a protected species under Philippine law, and its harvesting and trade are strictly regulated. (SunStar Zamboanga)