THE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested two men and seized more than P8.2 million worth of evidence during an operation against alleged illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) refilling in San Pablo City, Laguna.
CIDG Regional Field Unit 4A, together with representatives of PryceGas Inc. and local police units, carried out the operation at around 12:20 a.m. on June 19 in Barangay San Ignacio.
CIDG Director PMGen. Robert AA Morico II said the suspects, identified only as “Ardo” and “Cris,” were caught allegedly refilling and trading LPG cylinders bearing the PryceGas trademark without the company’s consent or authorization.
Authorities seized one tanker truck containing 19 tons of LPG, one Isuzu tractor, 24 filled LPG cylinders, 49 empty cylinders, a discharging hose, a spanner wrench, an improvised decanting adapter, and a weighing scale.
The seized items were valued at P8,206,757.76.
Morico said the operation stemmed from violations of Republic Act No. 5700, which prohibits the unauthorized use or sale of marked containers, including compressed gas cylinders, without the written consent of the owner.
He also cited Republic Act No. 11592, which regulates the LPG industry and bans the unauthorized refilling of LPG cylinders to protect public safety, product integrity, and consumer rights.
Morico commended CIDG RFU 4A regional chief PCol. Ganaban C. Ali and the operating units for the successful operation, saying the crackdown forms part of the CIDG’s campaign against illegal trade and other criminal activities.
The CIDG urged the public to report illegal LPG refilling, unauthorized use of branded cylinders, hoarding, and profiteering of petroleum products in their communities.