MORE than 2,300 filled and empty liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cartridges suspected of being illegally refilled or substandard were seized during an enforcement operation at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City this August.
The Department of Energy-Mindanao Field Office (DOE-MFO), in coordination with the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 11 (PNP-CIDG RFU 11), conducted the joint operation on August 11 following reports of the unauthorized sale and distribution of LPG cartridges in the area.
Authorities inspected and verified LPG products sold by targeted individuals and establishments for compliance with government regulations. The operation resulted in the confiscation and impounding of more than 2,300 LPG cartridges, including both filled and empty containers.
The DOE-MFO also issued inspection reports to 10 individuals covered by the operation as part of its documentation and enforcement proceedings.
The operation forms part of the continuing implementation of Republic Act No. 11592, or the LPG Industry Regulation Act, which regulates the LPG industry and sets safety and compliance requirements for businesses involved in the sale, distribution and handling of LPG products.
According to the DOE, the operation was launched following reports that some individuals and establishments in the public market were allegedly selling or distributing illegally refilled and/or substandard LPG cartridges without the required License to Operate (LTO) from the department.
“Ang mga indibidwal at/o establisyementong mapatunayang hindi sumusunod sa mga pamantayan at regulatory requirements ng DOE, alinsunod sa Republic Act No. 11592, ay sasailalim sa kaukulang administrative proceedings at mga parusang itinadhana ng batas at mga umiiral na regulasyon,” the agency said in a statement.
The DOE said the implementation of the LPG Industry Regulation Act is aimed at protecting consumers and ensuring that LPG products sold to the public comply with prescribed safety, quality and regulatory standards.
The DOE-MFO said it will continue working with the PNP and other concerned government agencies to strengthen enforcement against violations of laws and regulations governing the LPG and downstream oil industry.
The agency also reminded consumers to purchase LPG products only from legitimate and authorized establishments to help ensure their safety and avoid non-compliant products. DEF
