Authorities intercepted sacks of dried shark fins at the port of Barangay Poblacion in Taytay on February 17 after those handling the cargo failed to present transport permits.
An inventory later confirmed that the shipment contained 887 pieces of dried shark fins.
The operation was conducted by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff-District Management Division North following a report received around 5 p.m. about a suspected wildlife shipment.
The team inspected the cargo with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Municipal Agriculture Office of Taytay.
Two sacks were partially opened, while another was being unloaded from a boat reportedly from Cuyo town that temporarily docked in Taytay. Authorities said those involved could not show any transport documents or permits, prompting immediate confiscation.
With assistance from a marine wildlife specialist from the Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, authorities verified that the fins came from shark species listed as endangered under PCSD Resolution No. 23-967 and Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
“Pinapaalalahanan ng PCSDS ang publiko na ang pagkuha, pagdadala, pag-iimbak at pakikipagkalakalan ng mga threatened at endangered species at ng anumang bahagi ng mga ito ay mahigpit na ipinagbabawal,” the agency reminded the public.
Officials said endangered species may only be used for legitimate research and regulated farming, not for direct commercial purposes, including the trade of by-products such as shark fins.
They added that the shipment violates Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
The boat that was supposed to transport the cargo is now under the custody of the Municipal Agriculture Office of Taytay, while the confiscated fins remain with the PCSD Staff.
