NBI cracks down on illegal LPG operations

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recently began a nationwide crackdown on illegal refillers and unauthorized sellers of LPGs in the wake of increasing reports on explosions caused by illegally refilled liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders.

NBI agents recently simultaneously raided a company in Malabon and another in Pasig City on the strength of search warrants issued by RTC Judge Nemesio Felix.

The raid positively yielded LPG cylinders bearing other popular LPG brands. The two refilling plants were reportedly not authorized to use, refill or distribute these other LPG brands.

The raid came only days after one of the firms was the subject of a television show that focused on unauthorized refilling activities.

According to the NBI complaint, surveillance confirmed that the two refilling plants were engaged in the unauthorized refilling, sale and distribution of LPG of other brands. Surveillance reports also confirmed that the illegally refilled LPGs were distributed to the public who were apparently defrauded into believing that the LPGs come from the company whose name appears on the cylinders when it was refilled by another entity with different safety standards from the genuine LPG owners.

According to Ferdinand Lavin, chief of the Anti-Organized Crime Division of the NBI, the government hopes to curb the proliferation of illegal refilling in the LPG industry," that pose very serious safety hazards to both consumers and local communities where the refilling operations take place".

The NBI said local governments, such as Malabon, Navotas and Pasig, have been swamped with complaints against the existence of these establishments because of the safety and health hazards posed by the illegal operations.

They added that they have received reports that several explosions have been caused by LPG cylinders that were purchased from sellers of illegally refilled tanks.

"Illegal refillers do not have the necessary safety measures and quality standards to ensure that no accidents, such as massive explosions, would take place in their refilling areas. Also, ordinary consumers are exposed to unacceptable danger since the safety of these substandard products are highly questionable," Lavin said. He added that these types of operations usually have no business permits from local governments. Lavin noted that most of the confiscated LPG cylinders "appear to be in deteriorating condition". He said illegal refillers reportedly fill these tanks "with wanton disregard of the serious safety hazard they pose due to their poor condition.