(Photo courtesy of NCRPO)
MANILA – Police officers have arrested four suspects for allegedly selling fake liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders in separate operations in Manila.
In a statement Thursday, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, said suspects Jhonnifer Peduca, 39; and Joel Estonilo, 30, were nabbed in an operation by members of the Regional Intelligence Division at JP Cuevas Enterprises Gas along Lacson Avenue in Sampaloc, Manila on Monday.
The operation stemmed from a complaint from a representative of Isla Petroleum and Gas Corporation over the sale of fake Solane LPG.
Seized from the suspects’ possession and control were six empty Solane LPG cylinders, three filled Solane LPG cylinders, and fake bulb seals placed inside a sack.
Also on Monday, Ronald Abela, 43; and Patrick Pedrosa, 20, were arrested in an operation at Ronald-Amie LPG Store in Santa Mesa, Manila.
The operation resulted in the confiscation of 32 pieces of 11-kilogram uncertified and uncalibrated LPG tanks.
All arrested suspects will be facing charges in violation of Section 168.3 (a) R.A 8293 known as the Intellectual Property Code and were placed under the custody of the operating unit while pertinent documents are being prepared for presentation during inquest proceedings.
"Ang iligal na pagbebenta at paggamit ng mga pekeng LPG na ito ay sadyang napakadelikado at maaaring magdulot ng panganib sa ating mga kababayan (The illegal sale and use of these fake LPGs are very dangerous and may pose danger to our countrymen)," Estomo said.
Criminal gang member nabbed in Makati
Meanwhile, members of the Southern Police District (SPD) have intercepted and arrested a member of a criminal gang in a checkpoint operation in Makati on Tuesday.
SPD director Col. Kirby John Kraft said the suspect, 40-year-old Joseph Caniban, was initially flagged down by police officers at an “Oplan Sita” checkpoint along Estrella St. in Barangay Guadalupe Nuevo for riding a motorcycle without a helmet.
When Caniban failed to present a valid proof of identity, police inspected his bag which yielded a .38-caliber revolver with four bullets.
Police officers also found out that Caniban is a member of the Joshua Factora robbery and carnapping group, which operates in the city.
Further verification also showed that the motorcycle he was using was reported stolen on Sept. 12 along F.B Harrison St., Pasay City and is owned by Randy Moreno, a traffic aide of the Pasay City government.
The motorcycle owner will file a criminal complaint against the suspect who also faces charges for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Kraft, meanwhile, said the campaign against all forms of criminality will continue without let-up, especially the crackdwon against organized crime and criminal gangs. (with Anne Lorraine Bustamante and Irish Caidoy/PNA)
