Photo courtesy of PNP/Facebook
The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested four individuals during an operation against illegal liquefied petroleum gas refilling in San Fernando, Cebu, authorities said.
The operation took place on March 6 in Barangay Tonggo after police received reports about unauthorized LPG refilling and distribution in the community.
Personnel from the local police station carried out a buy bust operation to verify the reported illegal activity.
Authorities said an undercover operative successfully purchased LPG using marked money, which led to the arrest of the suspects.
The individuals were identified through their aliases as Angelito, 33; Brian, 18; Flaviano, 65; and Henry, 20. Police said all are residents of Cebu Province.
Investigators said the suspects failed to present permits or licenses authorizing them to refill, distribute, or sell LPG products.
Police also seized several LPG cylinders and refilling equipment from the site, which authorities believed were used in the illegal operation.
PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez said illegal LPG refilling activities endanger communities because they may trigger fires or explosions when safety regulations are ignored.
“Hindi lang ito simpleng paglabag sa batas. Ang ilegal na pagre-refill ng LPG ay may dalang malaking panganib sa buhay at ari-arian ng ating mga kababayan. Kapag walang tamang permit at safety standards, puwedeng magdulot ito ng sunog o pagsabog,” Nartatez said.