BULUAN, Maguindanao del Sur — Authorities arrested a 25-year-old laborer and dismantled an alleged illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) refilling and distribution operation during a law enforcement crackdown in Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur on Thursday, June 4.
The operation, conducted at around 11:00 a.m. in Barangay Poblacion, was jointly carried out by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Cotabato City Field Unit, the CIDG Regional Special Operations Team (RSOT), and the Buluan Municipal Police Station under the framework of Oplan LIRA.
Arrested was Norhan Lumupog Sagandingan, 25, married, a laborer and resident of Lower Delag, Pandag, Maguindanao del Sur. He is facing charges for allegedly violating Republic Act No. 11592, also known as the LPG Industry Regulation Act, which governs the safe handling, distribution, and sale of LPG products in the country.
According to authorities, the operation stemmed from information provided by a confidential informant regarding the alleged large-scale sale, distribution, and illegal refilling of LPG and other petroleum products in Buluan and nearby areas.
Acting on the report, law enforcement personnel conducted surveillance and validation operations that led to the successful raid and arrest of the suspect.
During the operation, authorities confiscated an estimated ₱350,000 worth of LPG products, equipment, and accessories believed to have been used in the illegal refilling business.
Among the items seized were:
- 37 units of 50-kilogram LPG tanks
- 25 units of 11-kilogram LPG tanks
- 400 butane canisters
- Four decanting machines
- Two decanting hoses
- Four weighing scales
- One motorcycle with sidecar
Investigators said the equipment was allegedly being utilized for unauthorized transfer and refilling of LPG products, a practice considered hazardous due to the risk of leaks, explosions, and fires.
The inventory and documentation of the confiscated items were witnessed and certified by Barangay Kagawad Esmael Kanebpal of Barangay Poblacion, ensuring transparency and compliance with operational procedures.
Authorities also confirmed that the suspect was informed of the reason for his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights, including protections under Republic Act No. 9745, or the Anti-Torture Act of 2009, in a language he understood.
The seized evidence was subsequently transported to the CIDG Regional Field Unit-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for proper documentation, safekeeping, and disposition.
To further guarantee accountability and transparency, operatives utilized two Alternative Recording Devices (ARDs) throughout the conduct of the operation, documenting key stages of the arrest and evidence handling.
CIDG officials emphasized that illegal LPG refilling poses serious threats to public safety, as unauthorized operations often fail to comply with industry safety standards and regulations designed to protect consumers and communities.
The agency also reiterated its warning to the public, particularly residents in nearby provinces such as Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato, against engaging in the sale, distribution, and refilling of unregistered LPG and butane products.
Violators may face criminal charges and penalties under existing laws regulating the petroleum and LPG industries.
Authorities vowed to sustain intensified operations against illegal LPG businesses and other unlawful activities that endanger public safety, stressing that such enforcement efforts are essential in preventing accidents, protecting consumers, and maintaining order within communities across the region.