"Sisi" seized for absence of papers

CEBU, Philippines - Seashells estimated to be worth P20,000 were seized by the Task Force Kalikasan of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office yesterday morning in Sitio Panas, Barangay Suba-Basbas, Lapu-Lapu City .

The seashells were identified as Acorn Barnacles under infraclass Cirripedia Subphylum Crustacea locally known as “Sisi.” They were placed in 12 storage baskets (bangkat) and loaded into a black Toyota town ace bearing plate no. GTF 636.

Police identified the owner as Rodolfo Pepito, a resident of Cabancalan, Mandaue City. He was on board the truck when the Task Force Kalikasan headed by PO3 Jomar Ybañez stopped the vehicle for inspection during preventive patrol.

Pepito failed to present pertinent papers, which resulted to the confiscation of the shells. Ybañez will turn the seized items over to the City Environment and Natural Resources for proper disposition.

Ybañez said the seashells are not endangered species but they need to be transported with necessary papers. The shells reportedly came from Sorsogon in the Bicol region. (FREEMAN)