MANILA: Members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized PHP26.6 million worth of illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder tanks during a two-day operation in Aurora province.
In a statement on Wednesday, CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco said the group’s Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Unit (AFCCU) implemented the search warrant at the Aurora Gas Corp. on Aug. 5 and 6, for violation of Batas Pambansa 33 (illegal trading of petroleum products) and Section 40 (illegal cross-filling) of Republic At 11592 or the LPG Industry Regulation Act.
During the operation in Barangay Suklayin in Baler town, none of the company’s incorporators and owners were present but police officers arrested eight employees working as cashiers, accountants, refillers, and drivers.
The company was openly accepting walk-in clients for LPG refilling during the search warrant operation.
Seized were three electric motors, three check valves, two gas pumps, a vapor unit, an LPG storage tank, three tank truck
s, over 1,000 various types of LPG cylinders (filled and empty), weighing scales, refilling hoses, pressure gauges, refilling adaptors, LPG seals, tax and VAT (value added tax) folders, sales invoice booklets, ledgers, and a personal computer.
Francisco said the operation is under the CIDG’s Oplan Ligas which cracks down on unauthorized LPG refilling stations, dealers, and distributors.
The suspects would face charges for violation of BP 33 and Section 40 (c) of RA 11592.
Source: Philippines News Agency
