Woman Arrested for Possessing PHP4.2M Worth of Giant Clams

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By Jennifer P. Rendon

A 63-year-old woman was arrested after sacks of fossilized giant clamshells, locally known as taklobo, were found in her possession.

Evelyn Robles, of Purok 4, Barangay Lantangan, Gigantes Island, Carles, Iloilo, was apprehended following reports that she was involved in the illegal collection, gathering, and possession of giant clamshells.

Reports indicated that the clamshells were piled up and stored at the back of Robles’ store.

Members of the Iloilo Maritime Police Station, in coordination with the Carles Municipal Police Station and the Carles Municipal Bantay-Dagat, verified the report on the afternoon of October 5.

Colonel Ervin Glenn Provido, regional director of the Regional Maritime Unit (RMU) 6, said that upon inspection, officers from the Iloilo Maritime Police immediately saw sacks of giant clamshells.

“Our personnel asked the suspect if she had any permits from the local authorities to collect or possess this species,” Provido said.

However, Robles failed to present any documentation.

Authorities recovered 70 sacks of giant clamshells, weighing around 2,800 kilograms, valued at PHP 4.2 million.

The harvest, possession, and sale of giant clamshells are prohibited under Republic Act 10654, also known as “An Act to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing,” which amended RA 8550, “The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.”