Two traders sued for smuggling shells, corals worth P13 million

CEBU, Philippines —  Two men are facing criminal charges for smuggling fishery products worth nearly P13 million.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-7 and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-7 sued Emelio Arco,58, and his nephew, Bryan Arco,31, for violating Section 96 of Republic Act 8550 (The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998), and Section 27 of RA 9147 (The Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act).

Last June 30, CIDG-7 served search warrants issued by Judge Jise Alfonso Gomos of Regional Trial Court 7 against the Arcos in Barangay Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City.

The two were subsequently arrested after banned fishery products—3,213 pieces of helmet shells valued at P11 million, three boxes containing 81 pieces of triton shells worth P199,000, 384 giant clams, 107 pieces of small clams, 52 kilograms of hoof shells, one box containing of 42 pieces of shark jaws, three dried sea turtles, and two sacks containing 33 pieces of organ pipe red corals—were found in their possession.

Based on the inventory, the estimated appraised market value of the confiscated fishery products is pegged at P12.96 million.

Police Colonel Ireneo Dalogdog, CIDG-7 regional chief, said the Arcos were into trading high-value fishery products abroad.

“It’s their primary livelihood. They've been in such business for a very long time,” he said.

He said they are now looking into their local shell suppliers and clients abroad.

“Aalamin natin kun sino ang mga clients nila at saang bansa ini-export,” he said.

Dalogdog warned the public against collecting, gathering and trading of wildlife species protected under the fishery laws, such as giant clams, helmet shells, and triton shells, among others.

BFAR7 Director Allan Poquita earlier urged the public to refrain from catching or gathering the protected species since they play a significant role in marine life.

He asked the public to help BFAR-7 in curbing the illegal trade by reporting to authorities the people who collect and trade banned fishery products. — KQD (FREEMAN)