Seized shells cost “hundreds of millions”

CEBU, Philippines - The polished product of the seized endangered shell species may worth “hundreds of millions” if sold abroad, said the Provincial Anti-illegal Fishing Task Force during an inventory yesterday.

Task Force head Loy Antony Madrigal said every piece of the shell which could be used as home decor costs US$5,000.

“Akong estimated value is P2 million locally but kung polished na, hundreds of millions gyud ni. Other would be made into powder man daw,” he said.

Almost 30, 000 pieces of shells were seized by the Capitol’s team from a six-wheeler truck in Poblacion, Minglanilla last Wednesday. Of the figure, a total of 3, 249 are Helmet Shells, locally known as “Budyong” (Genus Cassis); 25, 615 pieces of Smooth Top shells or “Tuwad” (Trochus niloticus); and 970 pieces of Trumpet shells (Genus Triton) or “Tambuli.”

The shells are now being kept at the Capitol compound and will be turned over to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

The team also arrested two persons on board the truck who were identified as Ronel Tomacas, 34, from Zamboanga City, and Delfin Jacosalem, 49, of  Talisay City. The two were turned over to Minglanilla Police Station.

Madrigal said a complaint will be filed against the suspects for violation of Republic Act 8550 or the Fisheries Code of the Philippines.

The law prohibits the fishing or taking of rare, threatened or endangered species as listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, an international agreement between governments that ensures protection of endangered animals.

Under the law, the violators will be punished by imprisonment of 12 to 20 years and/or a fine of P120, 000.

BFAR commercial licensing officer Auster Cabangban, who checked the shells, said he has yet to issue a certification of the inventory and classification of the seized shells to prove that these are indeed endangered species.  (FREEMAN)