Endangered shells seized; 2 arrested

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Capitol’s Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force has scored again in its campaign against illegal fishing after it intercepted a six-wheeler truck, this time loaded with endangered species of shells, yesterday afternoon at Poblacion, Minglanilla.

The team seized boxes of Trumpet shells (Genus Triton), locally known as “Tambuli”; Helmet shells or “Budyong” (Genus Cassis); and Smooth Top shells or “Tuwad” (Trochus niloticus).

Task Force head, Loy Anthony Magdrigal, said the team was conducting a random highway inspection in some areas from the northern to the southern part of Cebu when they came across the truck with plate numbers GJB 493 heading towards Barangay San Roque, Talisay City.

“Ikaupat nga sakyanan atong napara, but ang tulo puro isda unya kini puro mga shells. Gikan daw ni siya sa Zamboanga City padulong sa Talisay City. I think i-export ni siya,” said Madrigal.

The truck was reportedly owned by a certain Istaneslao Pipito in Cebu City.

The team arrested two persons who were onboard the truck, namely Ronel Tomacas, 34, from Zamboanga City, and Delfin Jacosalem, 49, of  Talisay City. The suspects will be turned over to Minglanilla Police Station.

Both suspects denied having knowledge about the content of the boxes.

“Pag-abot namo gitawagan mi nga ang among trak kargahan… Wa g’yod mi kabalo sa sulod. Ang giingon nila sa amo, ihatod sa Talisay, naay mosugat,” Jacosalem said.

Tomacas, the driver, alleged that they were only asked to transport the boxes, which ‘contained’ dried fish.

Madrigal said they will file charges against the violators for violating a provision of the Republic Act 8550 or the Fisheries Code of the Philippines.

The law prohibits the fishing or taking of rare, threatened or endangered species as listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, an international agreement between governments that ensures protection of endangered animals.

Under the law, the violators will be punished by imprisonment of 12 to 20 years and/or a fine of P120, 000.

Madrigal said the case will be referred to the Provincial Legal Office in order to determine the fate of the violators. —/NSA (FREEMAN)