Authorities seized around 30 tons of giant clam shells, known as “taklobo,” worth around P45 million in Patikul, Sulu.

Personnel of the Sulu Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) in Sulu launched an operation after receiving information about the alleged illegal collection and possession of the endangered species.

Authorities found the shells piled at a vacant lot in Barangay Taglibi.

However, the owner and financier remain at large and are being pursued by operatives, as of this writing.

The shells were turned over to MAFAR-Sulu.

Investigation was opened to determine the extent of the illegal activity.

“This seizure highlights the ongoing threat to the Giant Clam population in the Sulu archipelago. The Giant Clam is a protected species under Philippine law, and its harvesting and trade are strictly regulated,” MARPSTA-Sulu said.