SOUTHERN Police District (SPD) policemen raided two stores last Tuesday in Pasay City selling illegally-refilled and substandard Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) products amid a directive from National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Major General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.

SPD director Brigadier Gen. Leon Victor Z. Rosete said that on Tuesday, members of the SPD District Special Operations Unit conducted a buy-bust at the Double AA Rice Dealer and General Merchandise at 108 Cabrera St. Brgy. 136, Pasay City.

The operation led to the arrest of two employees of the store while the owner is still being sought for investigation.

Rosete said they launched the operation amid a complaint from Petron Corp. that the store is engaged in the illegal selling, refilling and trademark infringement of Petron LPG products.

Officers seized eight LPG tanks during the operation, one of them an 11-kg tank sold by the store employees to a poseur-buyer.

The 2nd operation targeted the Jackmyrns LPG at 408 Cementana St. in Pasay City and led to the arrest of the store cashier.

The owner also remained at-large as of press time.

The store was also the target of a similar complaint from Petron Corp. SPD operatives recovered 8 LPG tanks during the operation as well as store receipts.

The arrested persons were charged for violation of Republic Act 8293 as amended by Presidential Decree 1865 which pertains to copyright infringement and RA 11592 or the LPG Industry Regulation Act.

PNP chief General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil earlier ordered the intensification of the drive against manufacturers and sellers of illegal LPG products across the country citing the need to ensure the protection of the interests and general welfare of the public.

The PNP has also noted a yearly increase in the number of fire incidents believed to have been caused by sub-standard LPG cylinders.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon