BFP mulls creating task force against illegal butane distributors, dealers

WITH the intensified campaign against the distribution and use of refilled butane canisters, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) 7 will reportedly create a task force to run after dealers and distributors.

Director Antonio Labios of the Department of Energy (DOE) Visayas, however, said that the campaign of the BFP and his office will be more effective with the support of the local government units.

Labios urged local officials not to issue business or mayor’s permit to business establishments that sell or distribute refilled butane canisters.

Labios said that DOE and BFP can impose a fine ranging from P10,000 to P60,000 against violators.

But LGUs, under the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act 7160), can order the closure of a establishment that are found to have been illegally refilling butane canisters using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

DOE Legal Officer Russ Mark Gamallo said that the Department of Trade and Industry did not approve the use of LPG for butane canisters.

Gamallo said that local officials can cite Presidential Decree 1865 in filing charges against distributors of LPG refilling butane canisters.

He said that the law prohibits the illegal hauling, selling, distribution and trading of petroleum products.

Labios said that LPG is more powerful than butane and this is the reason why LPG tanks are thick as a safety measure.

Butane canister is very thin, which may easily explode, especially if it is expose to heat like during cooking.

Meanwhile, Labios said that the fire department and the Talisay City Police Station are handling the investigation of the explosion of about 6,000 refilled butane canisters at the Cebu South Coastal Road in Barangay San Isidro last month.

Labios said his office did not conduct a parallel investigation because they are undermanned.

“We will just wait for the result of the BFP and police investigations,” Labios said.

The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) earlier approved on its third and final reading an ordinance that prohibits the refill, distribution and sale of LPG in canisters.

Despite the danger it poses, many people still prefer to buy refilled canisters for it is cheaper compared to pure butane, said PB Member Glenn Bercede, who authored the measure. The refilled ones are sold at P25 per canister, while the regular price of pure butane is P75.

Under the ordinance, an administrative fine of P3,000 will be imposed on owners and haulers who are found violating the ordinance, while canisters will be confiscated for proper disposal.

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