OPERATIVES of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested eight persons allegedly involved in the illegal refilling of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders in Caloocan City last Friday.
In a statement issued yesterday, the CIDG said the operation, conducted on the strength of a search warrant, also led to the seizure of P25 million worth of LPG products, LPG equipment, and vehicles.
Those arrested were identified only as Serphil, Wilfredo, Herbert, and Orvin, all of Masbate; Dario of Valenzuela City; Jeorge of Pangasinan; John Paul of Pampanga; and Simeon of Bulacan.
Five others – Jay, Edigene, Babylyn, Joseph, and Joachim – are at large.
Those arrested were workers while the at large suspects are all officials of the Pylro LPG Corporation on No. 16, Barangay 163, Sta Quiteria, Caloocan City.
The CIDG said the operation was based on a search warrant for violation of Republic Act 11592 (LPG Industry Regulation Act).
The CIDG said the suspects were arrested and charged for “unauthorized cross filling; and manufacturing, distributing, refilling, or selling LPG cylinders carrying a trademark or trade name without the express approval of the trademark owner.”
Seized during the operation were 38 empty and 42 filled cylinders, two weighing scales; two-component hoses, two refilling pumps, a compressor, a bullet tank, two trucks, and two vans.
“Rest assured that your CIDG is relentless in implementing the policy of the state of protecting the interests of end-consumers, ensuring their general welfare, and establishing standards of conduct for business,” said CIDG director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
Torre urged the public to report illegal activities and trade malpractice involving LPG and other products.
“And we will do the rest,” Torre said.
