P1.7M Worth of Prohibited Shells Intercepted in Zamboanga City

By JONG CADION

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PAGADIAN CITY (Sept. 2, 2019) - NAVFORWEM through Naval Intelligence Securty Group – Western Mindanao (NISG-WM) and Naval Special Operations Unit 6 (NAVSOU 6) intercepted one unmarked Jungkung-type watercraft loaded with thirteen (13) sacks of prohibited seashells on August 31, 2019 at vicinity Baliwasan Seaside, Zamboanga City.

NISG-WM and NAVSOU 6 were conducting maritime patrol at aforementioned vicinity when it chanced upon an unmarked Jungkong-type watercraft, which was newly moored at Wee Bin Pier, Baliwasan Seaside, Zamboanga City, loaded with prohibited seashells.

Upon conduct of investigation, it was found out that the said Jungkung – type watercraft, registered as M/V Mardia, which was loaded with prohibited seashells, emanated from Pangutaran, Sulu Province. The confiscated seashells were then turned over to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). As per conducted joint inventory, the watercraft was loaded with thirteen (13) sacks of prohibited seashells with a market value of One Million Seven Hundred Fifteen Thousand Pesos (P 1,715,000.00) and were accounted and identified as : 1) Helmet Shells – 157 pcs; 2) Trumphet Shell – 4 pcs; 3) Frog Shell – 35 pcs; 4) Bonnet Shell – 10 pcs; 5) Spider Cooch – 4 pcs; 6) Gold Lip Shell – 44 pcs; 7) Murex – 3 pcs and 8) Smooth Top Shell – 238 pcs.

Accordingly, M/V Mardia violated Section 102 of Republic Act 10654 or the amended Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 which states that “It shall be unlawful to fish, take, catch, gather, sell, purchase, possess, transport, export, forward or ship out aquatic species listed in CITES Appendices II and III if scientific assessments show that population of the species in the wild cannot remain viable under pressure of collection and trade: Provided, That the taking or fishing of these species from the wild for scientific research, or conservation breeding simultaneous with commercial breeding may be allowed. Violation of the provision is punishable with a fine equivalent to three (3) times the value of the species or Three hundred thousand pesos (P300,000.00) to Three million pesos (P3,000,000.00), whichever is higher, and forfeiture of the species. Furthermore, upon conviction by a court of law, the offender shall be punished by imprisonment of five (5) to eight (8) years and a fine equivalent to twice the administrative fine and forfeiture of the species.

Naval Forces Western Mindanao and the Philippine Navy as a whole, with its operating units, will continuously endeavor to not only protect the seawaters of Western Mindanao from any atrocities and sea jacking at sea but also in one with the government to promote the conservation and protection of rare, threatened and endangered species. (With NAVFORWEM PAP PR and Photos)