ILLEGAL LPG TRADE. CIDG members account for LPG tanks seized during an operation in Barangay 163 in Sta. Quiteria, Caloocan on Saturday (Sept. 14, 2024). The CIDG on Monday (Sept. 16) said PHP19 million worth of LPG tanks and other equipment were seized during the operation. (Photo courtesy of CIDG)
MANILA – Members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized PHP19 million worth of illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder tanks in Caloocan City.
In a statement Monday, CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco said the group's Southern Metro Manila District Field Unit implemented on Sept. 14 a search warrant issued by a Makati court against the owners, managers and operators of Pyro LPG Refilling Station in Barangay 163 in Sta. Quiteria, Caloocan City for alleged involvement in the unauthorized sale and distribution of petroleum products.
During the operation, none of the company's incorporators and owners were present but police officers arrested nine employees working as human resources (HR) personnel, office staff, refillers and drivers.
Francisco said several large and small filling scales with corresponding nozzles and hoses used for illegal refilling were confiscated, along with two trucks being used for the transportation of illegally refilled LPG cylinders.
The operation was carried out under the CIDG's Oplan Ligas which cracks down on unauthorized LPG refilling stations, dealers, and distributors.
The suspects would face charges for violation of Batas Pambansa 33 and Section 40 (c) of Republic Act 11592 or the LPG Industry Regulation Act.
Also on Sept. 14, CIDG members also seized PHP102 million worth of illegal butane refilling equipment in Bulacan province.
Authorities swooped down on Unit B23 inside the Jolly Industrial Park in Barangay Parulan in Plaridel town at about 5 p.m, by virtue of the search warrant issued by a court in Malolos City.
Two suspects were arrested while operatives confiscated various industrial machinery used in refilling and tampering activities such as gas cylinder valve handling machines, refilling machines, and spray paint pump machines.
A total of 3 million empty butane canisters of various brands and fifty crates containing tampered butane canisters were confiscated.
The suspects would face charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) 623 (An Act to Regulate the Use of Duly-Stamped or Marked Bottles) and RA 8293 (Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines). (PNA)
