CIDG chief warns public against illegal use of LPG products

Inquirer photo/Raffy Lerma

MANILA, Philippines — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has warned the public about the serious risks posed by illegal manufacturing, refilling, and use of substandard liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products.

“We remain resolute in our commitment to apprehend and prosecute those who violate the law to safeguard the public dahil ang gusto ng pulis, ligtas ka (We remain resolute in our commitment to apprehend and prosecute those who violate the law to safeguard the public because the police want you to be safe.),” CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco said in a statement.

READ: LPG prices up by P6 per 11-kg tank in July

As part of its efforts to curb illicit activities involving petroleum products, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) confiscated over P100 million worth of illegal butane refilling equipment in Plaridel, Bulacan, over the weekend.

The operation resulted in the arrest of two suspects and confiscation of various industrial machinery used in refilling and tampering activities, with approximately 3 million empty butane canisters of various brands and 50 crates containing tampered butane.

The estimated street value of the confiscated items amounts to P1.02 million, comprising P90 million worth of empty butane canisters and P12,000,000 worth of machinery used in the illegal operations. —Emmanuel John Abris, INQUIRER.net intern