Sacks of seashells seized off Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A Philippine Navy boat has intercepted a motorboat loaded with more than a hundred sacks of helmet shells in the waters off Basilan, the official of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported yesterday.

The motorboat, which was loaded with 104 sacks of helmet shells, was intercepted Thursday, said Pedling Munap, acting chief of the BFAR regional office here.

Munap said the items were turned over to the Coast Guard station here and the BFAR for proper custody.

He said initial investigation showed the motorboat reportedly came from Basilan.

Munap expressed belief the shells, locally known as budyong, came from Tawi-Tawi as these are not found in Basilan waters. 

He said harvesting of helmet shells is prohibited under Administrative Order 158.

“We have to confiscate the shells and we’ll try to trace the owner,” Munap said.

The BFAR official said each mature helmet shell is sold at P250 each.