P250M worth of endangered clams seized, 1 suspect arrested in Palawan —PCG

Around 150 tons of fossilized giant clam shells or “taklobo” worth P250 million were seized by joint law enforcement operatives in Sofronio Espaniola, Palawan, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Thursday.

In a statement, the PCG said the clam shells were confiscated at the King’s Paradise Island Resort in Barangay Panitian. The items were placed under the custody of barangay officials.

One of the suspects Eulogio Josos Togonon was arrested during the operation. Other suspects were identified as Totong Josos, Nonoy Guliman, and Vilmor Pajardo.

Togonon was brought to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development for inquest proceedings and filing of complaint for alleged violation of Section 27 of Republic Act 9147 or the "Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act."

The operation was conducted by the PCG, Intelligence Group – Palawan, PCG Station Brooke’s Point, DF-332, Naval Intelligence and Security Group - West, PCSD, and PNP - Maritime Group.

In March, the PCG also confiscated P160 million worth of endangered giant clam shells in Roxas, Palawan.—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA News