KAPALONG, Davao del Norte — Police authorities successfully dismantled an illegal LPG refilling operation in Barangay Maniki, Kapalong, following a coordinated law enforcement operation on Tuesday afternoon, October 21, 2025.
At around 5:00 p.m., joint operatives from the Kapalong Municipal Police Station (MPS) led by PMAJ Bryle F. Patalinghug, Chief of Police, and the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) under PMAJ Joel Caesar V. Cabe, carried out a search warrant at Osmeña Street, Purok 7, Barangay Maniki, by virtue of a court order issued by RTC Branch 31, Tagum City for violation of Republic Act 11592, also known as the “LPG Industry Regulation and Safety Act of 2021.”
The operation, conducted under the supervision of PCOL Melvin R. Montante, Chief of RID, proceeded peacefully and in an orderly manner despite the absence of the main subject, who remains at large. The search was properly witnessed by an elected barangay official and the subject’s brother in compliance with legal procedures.
During the implementation of the warrant, authorities arrested one male suspect identified only as alias “Ron,” 59 years old, married, and a resident of Barangay San Jose, Kapalong, Davao del Norte.
Recovered from the premises were numerous refilled and under-filled LPG cylinders, along with refilling equipment and related paraphernalia, with an estimated total value of ₱1,546,700.00. The confiscated items were immediately turned over to Pryce Gas Inc. for safekeeping due to their potential fire hazards.
The arrested suspect is now under police custody for proper documentation and filing of charges.
“We remain steadfast in our mission to ensure the safety of our communities and to stop illegal LPG operations that endanger lives and property,” said PMAJ Bryle F. Patalinghug, Chief of Police of Kapalong MPS.
The Kapalong Police Station reaffirmed its commitment to strictly enforce the law and protect the public from unsafe and illegal operations that threaten community safety.