Lapu-Lapu's "Kalikasan" needs additional people

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City Police Office acting director P Sr./Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas wants to take on more  members for Task Force Kalikasan on account of the series of apprehensions of endangered species in the city.

“The apprehensions indicate the shipment of contraband into Lapu-Lapu City,” Lawas said.

He said the island is surrounded by water and the authorities cannot stop the illegal activity despite the force multipliers.

He also said it is important that violators are prosecuted.

For this year alone, the Task Force apprehended P8 million worth of endangered seashells, corals, and blasted fish.

The corals that were apprehended Thursday were intended for export to China according to information gathered from the shell craft industry in Lapu-Lapu City.

It was also learned that some of the shells were intended for export to Russia.

The seized shells and corals were brought to the City Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) and will be distributed to schools, experiment centers, museums, and some government and private institutions if there is a request.

“It could no longer live if brought back to the sea since these have been bleached,” SPO1 Jomar Ybañez, head of the Task Force Kalikasan said. – (FREEMAN)