21 April 2021, Manila, Philippines - On Friday, April 16, 2021, the Philippine Coast Guard seized more than 200 tons of fossilized giant clams worth nearly P1.2 billion. This is the biggest bust of illegal giant clam shell haul in the country, according to authorities, and already the third nab since March 2021.[1]

Trin Custodio, Executive Director for World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, said:

“Recent reports of illegal activities involving endangered species is deeply worrying. This time, taklobo, or giant clams, in Palawan are under assault. Over 350 tons of illegally-poached clam shells in half a year is absolutely unacceptable. This is not just a cause for alarm, but an urgent call for all of us to be vigilant in protecting our wildlife.

“These illegal activities must stop. Immediately. 

“We cannot emphasize enough how important giant clams are to our ecosystem. They host marine algae which serve as a food source for many fish that are consumed by humans. The surging illegal trade of taklobo has a direct impact on our food security, not to mention we are depriving our children of a healthy and functioning marine ecosystem.

“Giant clams are a protected species listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) [2] and have been tagged as an endangered species [3] by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD). Possession, transportation and trading of such are punishable acts under Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. Fossilized shells, being natural history specimens, are covered by the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, and all fossils should be regulated solely by the National Museum.

“Wildlife, here in the Philippines and in many places around the world, is under constant assault. We commend the Philippine authorities who are working tirelessly to stop illegal activities involving endangered species. We support PCSD’s commitment to combating the Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) in Palawan. Together with other partner agencies, the PCSD has clamped down on IWT in the province since its establishment in 1992. 

“The Philippines has rich biodiversity and we must act with haste to protect it from illegal activities. We need to keep the value of nature within our communities and not in the hands of criminals.”