ILOILO City – A suspected illegal LPG refilling operation that authorities warned could have triggered a deadly fire or explosion was shut down in Barangay Tabuc Suba, Jaro, where police arrested three suspects and confiscated 150 unauthorized butane canisters, 20 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks, and refilling equipment during a buy-bust operation.
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Iloilo City caught the suspects in the act of refilling portable butane canisters from 11-kilogram LPG tanks inside a residential property, an operation authorities said posed a serious threat to nearby residents.
Police Executive Master Sergeant Rex Himodo, deputy chief of CIDG-Iloilo City, said the operation was carried out after three days of surveillance that culminated in a successful buy-bust operation.
“During the operation, our personnel witnessed the actual refilling of butane canisters from LPG tanks,” Himodo said.
The suspects face charges for violation of Republic Act No. 11592, or the LPG Industry Regulation Act, which governs the filling, refilling, distribution, and sale of LPG products to ensure public safety.
“The refilling operation was being done inside a house without proper authorization. Aside from being illegal, this kind of activity poses a serious danger because it could easily trigger a fire or explosion,” Himodo said.
Authorities recovered 150 unauthorized butane canisters, 20 LPG tanks weighing 11 kilograms each, and equipment believed to have been used in the illegal refilling operation. The seized items were valued at around P60,000.
Himodo stressed that unauthorized refilling operations put not only those involved at risk but also surrounding communities.
“Improper handling and transfer of LPG can be hazardous. We urge the public to purchase only properly sealed butane canisters from authorized dealers and to report any suspected illegal refilling operations,” he said./PN
