PNP-CIDG agents seize nearly P27M illegal LPG equipment, arrest 8
AROUND P26.6 million worth of illegal Liquefied Petroleum Gas or LPG products and equipment were seized by agents of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) in a recent raid in Baler, Aurora, PNP-CIDG director, Major General Leo M. Francisco said on Saturday.
The official said that eight suspects were arrested by members of the CIDG Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Unit during a raid in Burgos Extension in Barangay Suklayin in Baler municipality which is in line with their Oplan: Ligas.
Oplan: Ligas is the CIDG’s campaign against unauthorized LPG refilling stations, dealers, and distributors.
Armed with search warrants issued by a local court for violation of Republic Act 11592 or the LPG Industry Regulation Act and Batas Pambansa 33 or illegal trading, the CIDG-AOCFU operatives, with the support of the Aurora Police Provincial Office raided the compound of the Aurora Gas Corporation, said Maj. Gen. Francisco.
The raid led to the arrest of eight company employees including a cashier, an accountant and refillers and drivers who were openly accepting walk-in clients for LPG refilling.
Seized during the operation were 3 electric motors, 3 check valves, 2 gas pumps, 1 vapor unit, 1 LPG storage tank, 3 lorry tank trucks, over 1,000 various types of LPG cylinders (filled and empty), weighing scales, refilling and decantry hoses, pressure gauges, refilling adaptors, LPG seals, tax and VAT folders, sales invoice booklets, ledgers, and a personal computer.
The recovered items were valued at P26,642,110. They, along with the arrested suspects were brought to the Aurora CIDG Provincial Field Unit.
Maj. Gen. Francisco said the immovable/fixed pieces of evidence like the LPG Tank Storage were sealed, marked and padlocked. The electric motor, compressors and pumps were likewise dismantled to avoid the possible siphoning of the remaining LPG contents.
Following the raid, the official warned the public anew that illegal manufacturing, refilling, and use of substandard LPG products poses a grave danger and hazard to the consumers.
“The CIDG will put an end to these practices by unscrupulous businessmen, ensuring consumer protection and holding violators accountable. We are committed to rigorous enforcement of the law to prevent any harm to the public,” he said.
The PNP-CIDG is part of a government task force created to eliminate the rampant use of underfilled, dilapidated, uncertified and unsafe LPG cylinders which pose serious threats to public safety and security. Many fire incidents in the country have been found to be caused by illegal LPG products.
Illegal practices in the LPG industry include underfilling, tampering, altering or modifying of cylinder through any means such as changing the valve, re-painting and re-labelling by any person of entity other than the legitimate owner of the same, unauthorized refilling of cylinder, no trade name, unbranded cylinders, no serial number, no tare weight or incorrect tare weight markings among others.
