Four Suspects Apprehended in Illegal LPG Refilling Sting in Southern Cebu
In a significant enforcement action, four individuals were arrested during a buy-bust operation targeting an illegal liquefied petroleum gas refilling operation. The incident occurred at approximately 5:20 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, in Barangay Tonggo, San Fernando, located in southern Cebu. The operation was spearheaded by members of the San Fernando Police Station, who acted on intelligence regarding unauthorized activities at a local store.
Details of the Arrest and Seized Evidence
The arrested suspects have been identified as Angelito Abarquez Mag-usara, aged 33 and a resident of Anislag in Pinamungajan; Brian John Abarquez Mag-usara, 18; Flaviano Mag-usara, 65; and Henry Pardillo, 20, all of whom are residents of Toledo City. During the operation, police confiscated multiple boxes of butane canisters and large LPG tanks that were being used in the illicit refilling process. These items were central to the illegal operation, which involved refilling LPG and selling butane without the necessary permits.
Police Investigation and Community Concerns
According to Maj. Michael Gingoyon, chief of the San Fernando Police Station, the operation was initiated after their office received a formal complaint about an illegal LPG refilling station operating without a license from the Department of Energy. Authorities conducted thorough validation and intelligence-driven surveillance, which confirmed the allegations. Additionally, residents in the area had expressed significant concerns, citing the high risk of a potential fire outbreak due to the unsafe practices. This community feedback prompted swift action from law enforcement to address the public safety hazard.
Legal Violations and Charges
During the buy-bust operation, the store operators failed to present any documents proving the legality of their butane canister refilling activities. As a result, the four suspects were arrested for violating Republic Act 11592, also known as the LPG Industry Regulation Act. This law is designed to regulate the LPG industry and ensure safety standards are met to prevent accidents and protect consumers. The arrest underscores the ongoing efforts by authorities to crack down on illegal operations that pose serious risks to public safety and violate national regulations.
