At least 70 sacks of giant clamshells were confiscated by the Iloilo Maritime Police in Barangay Lantangan, Gigantes Island in Carles town, Province of Iloilo.

The 70 sacks of giant clamshells (taklobo) weighed over two tons worth approximately P4.2 million.

The operation was conducted on Saturday, October 5, 2024 against a resident identified as Evelyn Robles.

According to the authorities, they received reports from a concerned citizen on illegal harvesting of giant clamshells perpetrated reportedly by Robles.

The suspect failed to present legitimate documents on the harvesting of the said giant clamshells.

Robles will be charged for violation of Republic Act 10654 or the Philippine Fisheries Code.

Giant clams are classified as threatened species in the Philippines.

Giant clams are listed under threatened species in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora. This means that gathering, collection, possession, commercial harvesting and trade are prohibited under Philippine law.

“Tinatanong namin siya kung may mga permit siya or any documents, bakit siya may mga taklobo sa likod ng store na itinatago according sa kanya. Wala siyang maipakita. Dinala niya kami doon sa likod. Ipinakita niya sa amin ang naka-stock na taklobo and then doon na-confiscate ang lahat ng taklobo,” Major Janvier Gilza, station chief of the Iloilo Maritime Police, said.