MANILA, Philippines — Eight individuals were arrested, and over P26.6 million worth of illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) equipment and materials were seized by authorities in Baler, Aurora, from August 5 to 6, according to Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police.
In a statement on Wednesday, CIDG said it implemented a search warrant along Barangay Suklayin against incorporators, owners, officers, and occupants of Aurora Gas Corporation who were reportedly engaged in unauthorized refilling and distribution of LPG products.
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Although none of the incorporators and owners were present, police said they arrested eight people who served as cashiers, accountants, refillers, and drivers, openly accepting walk-in clients for LPG refilling.
Confiscated from them were three electric motors, three check valves, two gas pumps, one vapor unit, one LPG storage tank, three lorry tank trucks, and over 1,000 various types of LPG cylinders, weighing scales, refilling and decanting hoses, pressure gauges, refilling adaptors, LPG seals, and documents.
Seized items were brought to CIDG’s office in Aurora for documentation. Other evidence, such as the LPG tank storage, was sealed and padlocked, while the electric motor, compressors, and pumps were dismantled to avoid siphoning off the content of Liquefied Petroleum Gas.
CIDG said the suspects will face complaints for violating Batasan Pambansa 33 and Republic Act 11591.