2 nabbed, over P1M LPG products seized

CEBU, Philippines — The owner and caretaker of an illegal butane refilling station in Lapu-Lapu City were arrested by authorities Monday afternoon, resulting in the seizure of over P1 million worth of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products.

At least 548 LPG-filled canisters, 4,572 empty butane canisters, 58 cylinders of 50-kilogram LPG, two 12.9-kg tanks, 60 improvised refillers, 130 weighing scales, and a motorcycle used in delivering LPG products were seized from the owner Bienvenido Estenzo Sohitado, Jr., 30, and his caretaker Bernino Bano Paquibot, 25, all residents of Sitio Casanta in Barangay Mactan.

However, a certain Ricky Comendador, who was with Sohitado and Paquibot that afternoon, eluded arrest.

Superintendent Dexter Calacar, chief of the City Mobile Force Company (CFMC) of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO), said they were tipped off about the illegal refilling business.

The refilling station was placed under surveillance prior to the operation.

Calacar said the confiscated items will be turned over to the Department of Energy for proper disposal.

The two suspects, on the other hand, are now detained in LCPO’s custodial facility pending the filing of charges against them for violating Presidential Decree 1865 (An Act Defining and Penalizing Certain Prohibited Acts Inimical to the Public Interest and National Security Involving Petroleum and or Petroleum Products).

A separate complaint will also be filed against them by the police for violating the city’s ordinance against the use, sale and distribution of LPG-refilled butane canisters.

The ordinance fines violators P3,000 for the first offense as well as impounding the vehicles used to transport the canisters.

Those selling the refilled canisters with no business permits will be fined P5,000.

LPG-filled canisters are prohibited as they are not designed for LPG since it is non-compliant with quality and safety requirements for LPG refill. There is also a possibility of leakage that emits hazardous gas and trigger explosion and fire.

Despite the hazards, people continue to patronize LPG-refilled butane canisters which are more convenient and affordable.

Energy officials admitted that backyard refilling had been very rampant in Cebu because of the demand from the public. —/KBQ (FREEMAN)