Endangered seashells seized

CEBU, Philippines - Hundreds of pieces of endangered seashells were confiscated from a shell export firm in Barangay Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City when residents from the nearby area complained of foul smell yesterday morning.  

The residents reportedly could no longer withstand the smell coming from the establishment owned by a certain Ruben Yu, prompting them to file a complaint with the barangay. Yu owns Sea Reina Export Inc.

When barangay officials learned that the firm is engaged in exporting seashells, they immediately sought assistance from the Task Force Kalikasan (TFK) for an inspection of the establishment.

Yesterday afternoon, from atop a neighbor’s fence, TFK personnel headed by SPO1 Jomar Ybañez checked the inside of Yu’s compound and spotted endangered species of seashells. They then went to the main gate and asked to search the place.

There, they found various kinds of seashells cleaned, stocked and packed for export. However, they also found four kinds to be reportedly endangered, including Helmet shell (Budyong), Clamps shell (Takubo) and Sea Corals such as the Black sea fan and various kinds of other sea corals.

Randolf Corales, Fisheries and Quarantine Officer of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR 7) said they have not yet computed the value of the seashells seized but it would reportedly not be surprising if they would cost millions, especially that they were for export.

Upon learning about the operation, Yu reportedly informed the task force that he has the necessary permits for his business, but failed to show the papers as of yesterday. — (FREEMAN)