About two to three tons more of endangered large clams, locally known as Taklobo, were recovered by the Maritime Police in another site in Brgy. Cayhagan, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, on Wednesday, October 27, Dave Albao, Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation executive director, said.
The seized clams could cost about P1 million, he said.
The Maritime Police in southern Negros Occidental had seized 7,000 kilos of endangered fossilized and fresh clams worth P490,000 and nabbed two suspects in Brgy. Cayhagan on Tuesday, October 26, a report from PMaj. Don Archie Suspeñe, Fourth SOU PNP Maritime Group officer-in-charge, said.
The clams seized on Tuesday and Wednesday will be brought to the Fourth SOU PNP Maritime Group headquarters in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, for eventual turnover to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Albao said.
Those responsible for financing, harvesting and selling the clams will face charges for violation of R.A 10654, that bans the fishing and taking of rare, threatened or endangered species, he said.
The clams are believed to have been harvested in various parts of southern Negros Occidental, and the operation must have involved a lot of money, Albao said.
The clams are believed to be sold in the Chinese market where they are pulverized for medicinal use, or used for decorative purposes, he added.*