Animal scales, turtle shells seized in Palawan

MANILA, Philippines - Several boxes containing scales of Pangolin or scaly anteater and turtle shells were seized at the airport in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan on Tuesday.

A report from the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), said the scales were from about 100 Pangolins, locally known as balintong, and the shells from about 40 Green and Hawk­ville turtles, all endangered animals.

PCSD and airport authorities said the shells and scales are being used as accessories or home decorations while Pangolin scales are popular among Chinese for its supposed curative benefits.

The report said the boxes, declared as containing dried fish, were supposed to be delivered to Renato Aloyan in Taboan, Cebu City.