BFAR seizes P500k worth of helmet shells in Negros Occidental

Philippine authorities this week seized some P500,000 worth of helmet shells following an operation in Escalante City in Negros Occidental.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources seized at the pier area more than 1,000 helmet shells in several boxes, according to a report by GMA Bacolod.

BFAR officials are still investigating the source of the helmet shells, which are considered an endangered species.

The BFAR said the shells are usually valued as decorations. It said those behind the attempt to ship the shells may face charges for violating the law protecting wildlife.
 
Last January, police and BFAR agents seized 25,106 boxes containing helmet shells, a large endangered marine species of the Cassidae family, at Chinese pier in Jolo, Sulu.

Police identified the owner as Peralta Pula, 60. The shells were bound for Cebu and Manila.

A BFAR news release posted on the Official Gazette said helmet shells, locally known as budyong, have a "narrow opening and a horny lid shaped like an open fan and is mostly found on sandy beaches of the open coast from shallow to deeper water."

"Gathering, selling and owning of budyong and other similar endangered shell species are prohibited under RA 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code. Violations of this law are punishable by 12 to 20 years imprisonment and/or a fine of P120,000," it said. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News