LPG cylinders from unauthorized dealers confiscated

Operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recently confiscated P300,000 worth of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders from five unauthorized dealers in Antipolo City.

NBI-Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD) chief Jose Justo Yap said they confiscated 86 filled 11-kilogram LPG cylinders, three filled 50-kg LPG cylinders, seven filled 2.7-kg Superkalan cylinders, 113 empty 11-kg LPG cylinders, one empty 50-kg LPG cylinder, and 30 empty 2.7-kg. Superkalan cylinders from five establishments.

NBI operatives raided the Mia-J Poultry Supply, RJ Rice & Poultry Supply, M.R. Reyes Rice Dealer, AJOC General Merchandise, and JZM Marketing, all located in Barangays Dela Paz, Padilla, Dalig and Mayamot in Antipolo City.

The NBI-IPRD conducted the operation after they received a complaint from Petron Corp., Pilipinas Shell Corp., Total Philippines Inc. and Superkalan Gas Corp.

After confirming that the establishments were unregistered distributors of the LPG tanks, Yap instructed case investigator Special Agent Dave Segunial to secure the necessary search warrants from Executive Judge Antonio Eugenio Jr., of the Manila City Regional Trial Court (MCRTC) Branch 24.

Armed with the search warrants, elements of the NBI-IPRD went to the establishments and seized the items. These were later transferred to a private facility located along Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City.

Yap said they are now preparing charges against the owners, incorporators and officers of the stores for trademark infringement and unfair competition as provided under Republic Act 8293 otherwise or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

Yap advised the public to buy LPG tanks only from authorized dealers. He said buying low quality cylinders might cause explosions that can cause accidental fires.