P8.1-M GIANT CLAM SHELLS RECOVERED IN PALAWAN

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday said that some P8.1 million worth of fossilized giant clam shells were recovered in Palawan on Valentine’s Day.

PCG personnel assisted local authorities in recovering the 336 pieces of fossilized giant clam shells locally known as Taklobo or Manlet at the shoreline of Bgy. Sebaring in Balabac, Palawan.

According to Coast Guard District Palawan (CGDPAL), the recovered shells, with an estimated market value of P8.1 million, were turned over to the local government unit (LGU) for temporary custody.

Republic Act 10654 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 prohibits the harvesting of endangered giant clams.

The PCG said violators could be penalized with an administrative fine of up to P3 million and imprisonment for eight years.