Boat seized for shipping banned shells and corals

CEBU - A joint team of Philippine Navy and Coastguard apprehended a fishing boat for illegally shipping banned shells and corals in Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City.

Princess Wennie 4 allegedly came from Palawan and arrived in Olango few days before Christmas.

In a report over ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol Central Visayas, among those confiscated were “budyong,” “triton,” and “samong” and other shells and corals that are not allowed to be sold or shipped to other areas.

Ma. Christina Aurellano, information officer of Naval Forces Central, said they received information that the fishing boat is arriving in Olango Island bringing those banned items from Palawan.

When Princess Wennie 4 docked in barangay Baring, Olango, the joint team of Naval Forces Central and Coastguard, including the personnel of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) immediately went to the area to confiscate the banned items.

Naval Forces and Coastguard turnover the confiscated items to BFAR personnel for safe keeping while formal charges against the crew of fishing boat are being prepared.

Wilfredo Amodia Sr., crew master of the fishing boat, said they brought in the banned items from Palawan and they are supposed to be sold to some exporters who are based in Lapu-Lapu City.

Amodia refused to identify the exporters but he said they have several “suki” in Lapu-Lapu City. — Ramil V. Ayuman/WAB   (THE FREEMAN)