P2.5-M seashells seized in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY, Philippines   – Three persons were arrested after a truckload of endangered seashells, estimated at P2.5 million, were seized at a checkpoint in Batad town, Iloilo last Thursday.

Police identified the suspects as truck driver Christopher Mancia, 31; Cipriano Umbrero, 53, and Rene Boy Rusiana, 38, all of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental.

Senior Inspector Joven Arevalo, chief of Batad municipal police, said the suspects failed to present documents for the transport of the seashells.

Police recovered 95 sacks of helmet shells, locally known as “budyong,” and smooth top shells.

Arevalo said the shells could be sold at P1,500 a piece.