National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents arrested 10 persons for illegally possessing and selling giant pearls in Ermita, Manila Monday afternoon. In a press conference yesterday, the NBI’s Environmental Crimes Division (EnCD) presented Jonathan Aceres, Victor Aceres, Gerardo Cerezo, Manuel Tempra, Norberto Enverzo, Jesusalora Oliva, Vincent Tanggara, Dixie Marie Madridano, Natranillo Lariosa and Nonito Grandia. The NBI staged the sting after receiving information in December 2016 that a group from Tarlac was selling giant pearls produced by taklobo or giant clams, considered an endangered species, from Palawan.

Galupo, R., & Ong, G. (2017, March 15). 10 held for selling giant pearls. The Philippine Star, p. 16.