Cadiz city: The local government of Cadiz City in Negros Occidental has pledged to take action against poachers responsible for the illegal removal of giant clams from the marine protected area near Lakawon Island in Barangay Cadiz Viejo.

According to Philippines News Agency, unidentified individuals forcibly extracted 33 giant clams from the Giant Clam Village (GC Ville) on Christmas Day, leaving their empty shells behind. Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. announced that criminal charges would be filed against the perpetrators once they are identified. The Cadiz City Police Station and Bantay Dagat personnel are jointly investigating the incident.

Mayor Escalante also revealed that the city government is offering a cash reward of PHP20,000 for credible information leading to the identification and arrest of those involved. In response to the poaching, round-the-clock security measures have been implemented at GC Ville.

Giant clams are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. The 9.2-hectare GC Ville Protected Area houses four species of giant clams: Hippopus hippopus, Tridacna squamosa, Tridacna crocea, and Tridacna maxima. An assessment by the Office of the City Agriculturist on December 12 reported more than 5,000 giant clams, including juveniles, in GC Ville.

The survey noted that the 387 Hippopus hippopus had an average length of 20.8 cm, 324 Tridacna squamosa averaged 23.4 cm, 63 Tridacna crocea were 19.2 cm, and 10 Tridacna maxima were 12.4 cm. The largest clam measured was a 44-cm Tridacna squamosa.

Under Republic Act 10654, the Philippine Fisheries Code, harvesting endangered giant clams is prohibited, with violators facing fines up to PHP3 million and imprisonment for up to eight years.

In 2024, the City Council enacted an ordinance establishing the Giant Clam Village Protected Area, creating a board to oversee a management plan for 2025-2029. This initiative aims at sustainable marine conservation and preserving the region's marine ecosystem.