CAMP COL. RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – Authorities seized some 300 tons of fossilized giant clams locally known as “taklobo” in Surigao City last Wednesday.
A flash report received by the regional command and tactical operations center of Philippine National Police Regional Office 13 (Caraga) yesterday stated that an informant reported the presence of the giant clams which are classified as endangered species in a resort in Sitio Panubigon, Barangay Lipata to the Surigao City Police Station.
“The follow-up operations of SCPS resulted in the recovery of some 300 tons of fossilized giant clams inside the premises of a resort in Sitio Panubigon,” the report said
The fossilized giant clams were certified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources as “authentic endangered species,” it said.
The recovered clams were brought to SCPS headquarters for safe keeping and proper documentation. (Mike Crismundo)