DOE-MFO cracks down on illegal LPG-refilling activity in Cotabato

By DOE-MFO

Photo: DOE-MFO

MIDSAYAP, Cotabato – As part of intensified efforts of the Department of Energy (DOE) to eradicate illegal, unsafe and dangerous activities in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) industry, the DOE-Mindanao Field Office (DOE-MFO) dispatched a team on July 27-31, 2021 for a joint inspection/investigation, with members of the Midsayap Municipal Police Station (MPS), PRO 12, and validated a complaint lodged through the 8888 Citizens Complaint Center on an alleged illegal LPG refilling activity taking place in Purok 7, Central Bulanan, Midsayap, Cotabato.

Two unidentified men were caught in the act of refilling 11-kg LPG cylinders from inverted 50-kg LPG cylinders. The police contingent of the joint team attempted to apprehend these men, who, unfortunately, managed to elude arrest. The team, however, was able to confiscate 50 filled 50-kg LPG cylinders; 23 empty 50-kg cylinders; 16 filled 11-kg LPG cylinders, 376 empty 11-kg LPG cylinders; and seven 11-kg cylinders that were attached to the inverted 50kg cylinders; totaling 73 of 50kg cylinders; 399 multi-brand 11-kg cylinders; with two weighing scales, and 15 decanting devices/hoses.

All recovered pieces of evidence were turned over to the Midsayap MPS, PRO12 for temporary safekeeping, while administrative and criminal charges are being prepared.

The DOE-MFO is closely working with the local authorities of Midsayap in identifying the men involved, as well as all other persons responsible for the illegal LPG refilling operation.

To ensure the safety and welfare of the consuming public, the DOE continues to monitor and strictly enforce existing downstream oil industry rules and regulations, and closely coordinates with and assists law enforcement agencies in the implementation of Batas Pambansa Bilang 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, “An Act Defining and Penalizing Certain Prohibited Acts Inimical to the Public Interests and National Security Involving Petroleum and/or Petroleum Products, Prescribing Penalties Therefor and for Other Purposes”.

Meanwhile, the DOE is appealing to the public to remain vigilant in reporting illegal activities involving petroleum products to the authorities. Aside from being unlawful, the Department would like to reiterate that acts such as illegal LPG refilling are highly dangerous and pose threats to lives and properties.

NCCA orients RDC P12

Executive Director, Al Ryan S. Alejandre of NCCA thanked everyone for participating in the webinar. RD Teresita Socorro C. Ramos of NEDA XII, also conveyed her appreciation to the NCCA team for mounting this collaborative undertaking with RDC XII. She further expressed optimism that the submission of cultural profiles to NCCA by the LGUs, and the number of registered cultural properties shown in the MAPAMANA for Region XII be substantially increased as an offshoot of this undertaking.