Men found with endangered shell species face charges in court

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force filed on Thursday criminal complaint against two men who were caught transporting large volumes of sea shells considered to be endangered.

Romel Tumacas, 34, a resident of Zamboanga City and Delfin Jakosalem, 49, a resident of Talisay City were arrested with 30,000 pie-ces of shells from a six-wheeler truck composed of 3,294 helmet shells known locally as “Budyong”; 25,615 pieces of Smooth Top shells or “Tuwad”, and 970 pieces of Trumpet shells or Tambuli.

They are facing charges for alleged violation of Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. The case against them was filed before the Municipal Trial Court in Minglanilla town.

Tumacas and Jakosalem did not file counter-affidavits at the prosecutor’s level and chose to answer the charges in court. Prosecutors recommended P8,000 bail for their temporary liberty.

Tumacas and Jakosalem were traversing Barangay Poblacion, Minglanilla when the six-wheeler truck they were riding was stopped by operatives of the Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force following information of the transport.

The Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force also filed charges against a certain Estanislao Pepito, Sr. who is at large and one other unidentified person.

RA 9147 aims to protect and conserve wildlife species. —/JMO (FREEMAN)