MORE THAN 900 illegally refilled LPG canisters were seized by the National Bureau of Investigation-Southern Eastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-Semro ) in an operation conducted at Bankerohan Public Market at around 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 19.
In a press conference on Tuesday at the NBI-Semro office, agent Juhary Guro said they arrested identified as Faisalin Abdul and Asnawie Badroding during the operation.
Intelligence officer Don Albert Faustino also said the two will be facing a case for violating Republic Act 8293 (Intellectual Property Code) in relation to RA 623 as amended by RA 5700.
Guro narrated that the operation was conducted following the complaint of Rufrance Marketing based in Cebu City last Feb. 6, leading to two successful operations in Sasa and Matina. On Monday, he said they received another tip-off regarding the rampant illegal selling of LPG canisters in Bankerohan.
NBI director Archie Albao ordered a deeper investigation to verify the complaint, which prompted the entrapment operation.
He added they bought two canisters for P200 and then proceeded to arrest the suspects. However, some were able to escape by taking advantage of the narrow alleys and the thick crowd of residents, buyers, and vendors.
The operating team seized 448 LPG canisters labeled as Rufrance and 460 unlabeled canisters. The NBI is questioning the suspects to pin down the suppliers.
“We have areas in Davao City and other areas in Davao region,” he said.
Meanwhile, Guro warned those who use LPG canisters to make sure they are legitimate for their own safety.
“We would also like to remind the general public not to promote this kind of product or buy these substandard filled canisters because it may cause danger to yourself and other members of the family,” he further said.
