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ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews/29 October) – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) intercepted a shipment of helmet shells worth P200,000 at the Zamboanga port, a PCG official announced on Monday.
Zamboanga Coast Guard Station chief Lieutenant Commander Elizer Dalnay disclosed the helmet shells’ shipment was intercepted on Friday aboard M/V Ever Queen of Asia that came from Tawi-Tawi via Jolo, Sulu.
Dalnay said they managed to intercept the cargo, which were packed in five sacks and five carton boxes, following receipt of information about the shipment.
However, Dalnay said no one has claimed ownership of the cargo.
He said that the collection of helmet shells is prohibited under Republic Act 8550 otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.
The trade of helmet shells is also prohibited under the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species, he added.
Helmet shells are being sold as interior decorations for houses, hotels and other establishments.
Helmet shells are found in tropical waters along sandy seafloors and are predators feeding mainly on sea urchins. (MindaNews)