Police seize sacks of starfish, arrest owner

CEBU, Philippines - The police in Mandaue City yesterday seized 13 sacks of starfish from a multicab that broke down along Ouano Avenue at the Reclamation Area in barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

The seized starfish is believed to cost P5,850. Each starfish costs P1.00.

Owner Diaga Aying of Olango Island, companion Apolinaria Umapad, and hired driver Allan Labajo were taken to the Investigative and Detective Management Branch (IDMB) Office for questioning.

Aying said she has been selling starfish for the past 30 years now.

She said she was to deliver the starfish yesterday to a buyer at V. Rama Street in Cebu City. 

PO3 Jack Inihao traveling in a mobile patrol car passed by Aying's group and asked for a permit for the cargo. She was arrested when she couldn't produce any.

Later in the afternoon, Aying and company were released together with the sacks after it was learned that the starfish is not among the list of endangered marine species. – THE FREEMAN