CIDG nabs 3 for illegal LPG refilling in Batangas

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Wednesday said three suspects have been arrested over alleged illegal refilling of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products in San Jose, Batangas.

CIDG spokesperson Police Major Helen dela Cruz said the operation was conducted on October 9 after the complaint of two LPG brands against a refilling station supposedly cross-refilling their cylinders without authorization.

“The three suspects—isang babae at dalawang lalaki, lahat sila legal age and residents of San Jose—were arrested while allegedly engaging in an unauthorized cross refilling of LPG cylinders without a license to operate from the Department of Energy,” she told reporters. 

(The three suspects—a woman and two men, all of legal age and residents of San Jose—were arrested while allegedly engaging in an unauthorized cross refilling of LPG cylinders without a license to operate from the Department of Energy.)

Seized from the operation were the following:

• eight refilled cylinders bearing the trademarks of the two LPG brands 
• 193 empty cylinders from assorted brands
• refilling machines
• compressors
• weighing scales
• a trailer bullet truck containing approximately 38,000 liters of LPG products
• a stake body delivery truck

The confiscated items are worth P7,824,928, according to the police.

Dela Cruz said the suspects are facing complaints for the violation of the Republic Act No. 5700 or the law regulating containers of compressed gases, as well as the Intellectual Property Code.

CIDG acting director Police Major General Robert Morico II stressed that it is unlawful for any person to fill containers without the consent of the registered manufacturer.

Under Oplan Lira, the CIDG has intensified operations against illegal trading of LPG products.

“Rest assured that your CIDG is steadfast in implementing all laws and relentless in catching all violators and criminals,” Morico said.

“We urge the public to report to CIDG all illegal activities or trade malpractices in their localities, and the CIDG will do the rest,” he added. —Joviland Rita/RF, GMA Integrated News