Policemen and Maritime Command personnel recovered about 9,000 kilos of fossilized and fresh clams, worth P490,000, Oct. 26 and 27 in Brgy. Cayhagan, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.
Major James Latayon, acting Sipalay City police chief, said Wednesday, Oct. 27, that they saw 7,000 kilos of clams, locally known as taclobo, in plain view in Sitio Ondol in the barangay.
Latayon said they also arrested two suspects he identified as Cheryll Pat Ababao of Brgy. Cayhagan, and Eriño Targalila, of Brgy. Camindangan, Sipalay City.
However, they released the two suspects after the lapse of the 12-hour reglementary period of detention, he added.
Latayon said both suspects will be charged for violation of Section 102 of Republic Act 10654, that bans the taking of endangered species.
Following the seizure Wednesday, Latayon said a resident of the same barangay yesterday surrendered about 2,000 kilos of endangered clams to the police.
The clams are now in the custody of the PNP Maritime Group unit stationed in Hinobaan, Negros Occidental.
The fossilized clams reportedly taken from the territorial waters of Brgy. Cayhagan in Sipalay City, were supposed to be delivered to Chinese buyers in Manila, Latayon added. — GB
