The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) participated in a joint counter action operations to retrieve approximately P57 million worth of giant clam shells at a residential lot owned by a certain Jonjie Moreño situated in Purok Bonbon, Barangay Panacan, Narra, Palawan yesterday, 13 April 2021.

Together with the Naval Intelligence Security Group (NISG), Intelligence Operation 2nd Special Operations Unit - Maritime Group (SOU - MG),  and Bantay Dagat Palawan Task Force, the PCG recovered 177 pieces of giant clam shells (16,467 kilos) concealed in a tent at Moreño's residence.

According to Moreño, he was the caretaker of the giant clam shells allegedly owned by a certain Rolando Eleazar.

The joint counter action operations team transported the shells to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) for appropriate disposition.

Eleazar shall be investigated for his alleged involvement on the illegal collection of giant clam shells — a violation of the Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

Giant clams have been tagged as 'endangered species' due to massive poaching for various purposes, such as jewelry making and ornamental shell trade.