BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Around seven tons of giant clams, locally known as taklobo or manlot, were seized in Escalante City, Negros Occidental on Friday.
The giant clams have an estimated value of P28 million. The endangered species is reportedly sold for P1,000 per kilo.
Police officers and personnel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources discovered the fossilized giant clams during a raid on the house of Jasper Bacaron in Barangay Washington.
Bacaron claimed a certain Nexon Aurelio, a resident of Barangay Vito in Sagay City, is the owner of the giant clams.
It is illegal to gather, sell, purchase, possess, transport or export those listed as endangered species.
Violators face fine of up to P5 million and prison term of up to 20 years.