ORMOC CITY— Police arrested a businessman and seized dozens of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) canisters during an operation against illegal LPG trading in Barangay Asuncion, Maasin City on Thursday, February 5.
The suspect was identified by Maasin City Police Station (CPS) chief Lt. Col. Jason Balbarona as alias “Jay,” 56, a married businessman and resident of Purok Sunkist, Barangay Asuncion.
The arrest stemmed from an operation conducted at around 11:45 a.m. by joint elements of the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Southern Leyte Provincial Police Office, the 1st Southern Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Maasin CPS, together with an authorized representative of an LPG company.
Police confiscated 86 filled LPG canisters and four empty canisters, with an estimated total value of P9,000. Authorities said the suspect was engaged in the unauthorized selling of LPG.
The act constitutes a violation of Republic Act No. 11592, or the LPG Industry Regulation Act, which regulates the importation, refilling, storage, transport, distribution, and sale of LPG to ensure public safety and consumer protection.
The suspect and the seized items were taken to the Maasin CPS for proper documentation and disposition.
(ROBERT DEJON)
