P4.5-M TAMPERED LPG TANKS CONFISCATED IN BATAAN

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — Joint operatives on Friday arrested five people and confiscated around P4.5 million worth of tampered and counterfeit liquefied petroleum gas cylinders during an anti-illegal operation in Mariveles, Bataan.

Police Regional Office 3 director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez said the sting stemmed from reports of unauthorized distribution of fake LPG products at a gas sales center in Bgy. Alasasin. 

Acting on a complaint filed by a brand protector, joint operatives from the CIDG Regional Field Unit 3 headed by Col. Grant Gollod, Regional Special Operations Group-Regional Intelligence Division 3 (RSOG-RID3), CIDG Bataan Provincial Field Unit, and the Mariveles police set up an entrapment.

According to Mendez, a poseur buyer was able to purchase an LPG cylinder that was later found to be tampered with and bearing a counterfeit seal, prompting the immediate arrest of the suspects and a subsequent inspection of the premises.

During the inspection, authorities uncovered an ongoing illegal refilling and alteration activity involving LPG cylinders. 

Hundreds of cylinders of various sizes, a delivery truck loaded with tampered containers, refilling equipment, and materials used for resealing and repainting were confiscated by the authorities.

Charges for violations of the Revised Penal Code, Republic Act 623, and Batas Pambansa Blg. 33 are being prepared against the arrested suspects.

Mendez underscored the seriousness of the offense, warning that illegal LPG operations pose significant risks to public safety.

“Hindi ito simpleng iligal na negosyo. Delikado ito. Kapag tampered ang LPG, puwedeng magdulot ng sunog o pagsabog—direktang banta sa buhay at ari-arian ng ating mga kababayan,” Mendez said.

He added that the operation reflects the police force’s continued efforts to intensify law enforcement and ensure community safety, in line with the focused agenda of Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., particularly in strengthening police operations and protecting the public.

“We will sustain aggressive and intelligence-driven operations against these illegal practices. This is part of our commitment to keep communities safe and to hold accountable those who put lives at risk for profit,” he said.

The Central Luzon top cop urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious LPG-related activities to authorities.