LPGMA, CIDG join forces to address LPG pilferage

MANILA, Philippines - Party-list Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers Association (LPGMA) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) will join forces to aggressively address the problem on rampant pilferage of LPG in Metro Manila and in other parts of the country.

Party-list Rep. Arnel Ty said LPGMA and the CIDG have agreed to work hand in hand to identify syndicates and arrest their members who are involved in the pilferage of LPG and selling of underweight LPG tanks to unsuspecting consumers.

Ty said this move was conceived after a dialogue between the said party-list and the CIDG headed by Police Director Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr.

At the said meeting, Ty cleared Police Senior Superintendent Rhodel O. Sermonia of alleged wrongdoings, which he said was an offshoot of wrong information given to him by his informant.

Ty said that after an enlightened dialogue with the CIDG officials, it is now clear on his part that Sermonia did not participate in the said search operations as it was beyond his duty and jurisdiction as chief of the Administrative and Resource Management Division (ARMD) to personally lead an operation.

“I believe that Sr. Superintendent Sermonia should be restored to his former unit, the CIDG,” said Ty.

Ty also said that the LPGMA and the CIDG will jointly investigate the real persons behind the threat to his life.