Helmet shells seized in Lapu

POLICE yesterday confiscated 18 sacks of endangered seashells in barangay Punta Engano, Lapu-Lapu City.

The 450  seashells called Helmet shells  locally known as budyong were hidden in a cave at the shoreline of sitio Malingin.

The shells came from the province of Bohol, Leyte and Masbate and were turned over to the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), said SPO1 Jomar Ybanez of the Task Force Kalikasan.

No one was arrested since nobody claimed ownership of the confiscated seashells, whose estimated value was placed at P100,000.

Ybanez said the task force went to the cave after an informant told them of illegal items hidden there.

Andy Berame, Task Force Kalikasan coordinator, said the group was informed that the helmet shells would be exported to Russia.

More than a week ago, the Task Force Kalikasan also seized some endangered seashells and sea corals, including helmet shell and sea clamps, at a shell craft in barangay Pajo. The confiscated items were worth P2.9 million.

A case was filed against the owner, who failed to present documents for possessing the endangered seashells./Correspondent Norman V. Mendoza