Authorities seized illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products worth P1.3 million in Bacolod City, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said.

In a statement, CIDG said refilled and empty butane canisters, 12 improvised refilling machines, 92 empty LPG tanks, and three filled LPG tanks were confiscated during the operation at Hacienda Elisa in Barangay Granada.

The operation also led to the arrest of five men, who were caught selling the allegedly illegally refined butane canisters from LPG tanks.

They were charged before the National Prosecution Service for violation of Batas Pambansa 33, which penalizes certain prohibited acts inimical to the public interest and national security involving petroleum and/or petroleum products, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865.

“I commend the CIDG-Negros Island Region’s Field Unit for their swift and responsive police service that led to the arrest of the suspects and confiscation of allegedly illegal LPG products,” CIDG Director Police Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano said.

“This operation is not just about enforcement — it saves lives. Each illegally refilled canister is a potential threat,” he added. (GMA Integrated News)

Caption

Five men were arrested after they were caught selling the alleged illegally refined butane canisters from liquefied petroleum gas tanks in Bacolod City. (CIDG photo)