In a significant crackdown on illicit activities, operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Mandaue City Field Unit executed a raid on a residential property being used as an illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) warehouse. The operation took place on Wednesday afternoon, March 18, 2026, marking a decisive move against unauthorized energy product distribution.
Details of the Operation
The raid was conducted from 3:15 PM to 5:20 PM in Purok 1, Barangay Don Pedro Rodriguez, Bogo City. Authorities acted under the authority of a Search Warrant issued by Honorable Judge Samson Troy Layese, the Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 78 in Bogo City. This warrant, dated March 11, 2026, was based on violations of Section 168 of Republic Act 8293, also known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.
Arrest and Seizures
During the operation, law enforcement officers apprehended the subject of the warrant, identified as Ramil Huyo-a Edano, a 49-year-old resident of the area. Edano is alleged to have been operating an illegal business selling LPG canisters under the brand name Rufrance.
From the suspect's premises, authorities confiscated a substantial haul of illegal goods. This included 151 crates, each containing 24 butane canisters, resulting in a total of 3,624 canisters seized. Additionally, a Bongo minivan, reportedly used for delivering these unauthorized products, was impounded as evidence.
Estimated Value and Background
The total estimated value of the seized items is approximately P269,000, highlighting the scale of the illegal operation. Prior to the raid, CIDG 7 had received complaints regarding this illicit business in the city. Following a thorough validation process, it was discovered that the suspect lacked any permit or documentation from the Department of Energy (DOE) required to legally sell LPG.
Legal Proceedings
Currently, Ramil Huyo-a Edano is in the custody of CIDG 7, along with all the evidence collected during the raid. Authorities are now preparing to file formal charges against him in court, as part of ongoing efforts to enforce energy regulations and combat intellectual property violations.
