By CESAR JOLITO III

The Cadiz City government has strongly condemned the illegal poaching and killing of 33 giant clams at the Giant Clam Village, a protected marine conservation area in the city.

In an official advisory issued yesterday, Mayor Salvador Escalante described the incident as a “heinous and senseless act,” noting that unidentified individuals allegedly entered the conservation site and forcibly removed the giant clams from their natural habitat, leaving their empty shells behind.

The advisory stressed that giant clams are a protected species under national environmental and wildlife protection laws.

The Giant Clam Village is a declared marine sanctuary.

Any act of collecting, killing, damaging, or possessing giant clams constitutes a criminal offense punishable by law.

To help identify and arrest those responsible, the city government is offering a cash reward of P20,000 to anyone who can provide credible information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.

Authorities assured the public that all information would be treated with strict confidentiality.

Reports may be forwarded to the Cadiz City Police Station, the City Agriculture Office, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, or concerned barangay officials.

The city government also issued a stern warning to individuals or groups who may attempt similar acts, emphasizing that there will be zero tolerance for crimes against the marine environment.

Escalante said the city will pursue violators to the full extent of the law.

Following the incident, the city has intensified monitoring, surveillance and coordination among law enforcement agencies in all protected marine areas.

“The Giant Clam Village is a symbol of Cadiz City’s commitment to marine conservation and environmental stewardship,” the advisory stated, adding that any attack against the sanctuary is an attack against the people of Cadiz and their shared responsibility to protect the city’s natural heritage./CJ, WDJ