Photo courtesy of CIDG.
Authorities cracked down on an underground LPG refilling operation in Marilao, Bulacan, seizing equipment worth over Php 1.3 million in a coordinated raid led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
The operation, carried out on May 21, targeted a warehouse in Barangay Loma de Gato where suspects were allegedly refilling LPG cylinders without proper authorization from brand owners.
Three individuals identified only by their aliases Tina, Ram, and Dan were arrested after being caught in the act of transferring liquefied petroleum gas using unauthorized equipment.
Recovered from the site were refilling heads, weighing scales, hoses, a motor compressor, and branded cylinder tanks, all believed to be used in the illegal operation.
Authorities estimated the total value of the seized materials at Php 1,360,000, highlighting the scale of the illicit activity.
Under Republic Act No. 11592 or the LPG Industry Regulation Act, refilling LPG cylinders without the consent of brand owners is strictly prohibited due to safety and consumer protection concerns.
CIDG Director Robert Morico stressed that such operations endanger the public and violate industry standards meant to ensure product integrity.
The agency said it will sustain its crackdown on illegal LPG practices as part of broader efforts to protect consumers and enforce trade regulations.