Police arrested five people and recovered hundreds of tampered liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders at a sales center in Mariveles, Bataan on Friday.
In reports to Central Luzon police director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez operatives said a sting operation was conducted after they received reports of unauthorized selling and distribution of tampered and counterfeit LPG cylinders in Barangay Alasasin.
The police operatives said hundreds of LPG cylinders, a delivery truck loaded with tampered gas tanks, refilling equipment and materials used for resealing and repainting – all valued at P4.5 million – were recovered from the site.
Charges were filed against the five suspects for violations of Republic Act 623, which regulates the use of registered and marked containers, and Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, which prohibits acts inimical to the public interest and national security.
Mendez appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious LPG-related activities.
‘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,’ Mendez said.