About 200 tons of fossilized giant clam shells valued at around P1.2 billion were seized by authorities from four men who were arrested in Palawan province in the biggest recovery so far of the bivalves which are much-coveted for their ivory-like qualities. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said in a statement on Saturday that the four—Rey Cuyos, 54; Rodolfo Rabesa, 48; Julius Molejoa, 47; and Erwin Miagao, 40—would be charged with violating Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, and Republic Act No. 8850, or the Philippine Fisheries Code. The men were arrested at Sitio Green Island in the coastal village of Tumarbong in Roxas town around noon on Friday, the PCG said.

Miranda, R. (2021, April 18). ₱1.2-B giant clam shells seized in Palawan; 4 nabbed. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A3.