Taiwanese buyer of clam shells nabbed in Negros; more clam shells found in Palawan

Authorities arrested the Taiwanese buyer of endangered giant clam shells (taklobo) in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, according to a report on GMA News' Unang Balita on Monday.

The Filipino seller was earlier nabbed on Friday, according to the Philippine National Police.

Giant clam shells estimated to be worth P5 million which were being sold at the time of the suspect's arrest have been turned over to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Meanwhile, in El Nito, Palawan, 90 pieces of giant clam shells were confiscated from a group.

The endangered clam shells were turned over to barangay officials and the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development.

Under the law, gathering and selling endangered giant clam shells are not allowed.

Those found violating the law may face fines of P50,000 to P500,000 and jail terms of four to six years. —KG, GMA News