ONE of three butane refillers who were arrested but later set free after Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña ordered their release was taken into custody by police last Saturday, May 11.

Romeo Appareca Jr., 41, was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Municipal Trial Court Branch 8 Judge Grace Fernandez on April 26.

Police Captain Armando Labora, Parian Police Station chief, said his police officers found Appareca at the T. Padilla Public Market in Cebu City at 12:50 p.m.

Appareca was one of the three detainees whom Osmeña had ordered released from the custody of the Parian Police Station last Aug. 24. The other two were Ramir Amaca, 33, and Romeo Cuevas, 57.

The three were charged with violating Batas Pambansa 33, as amended by Presidential Decree 1865, which penalizes the selling and distribution of certain petroleum products.

When reporters sought his comment, Appareca refused to say anything.

His legal counsel, Ron Mylon, said his client would post bail immediately before the court closed on Sunday and on Monday for the 2019 midterm elections.

Bail was set at P6,000.

Labora reminded the public not to patronize the use of illegal butane canisters as it is one of the most common causes of fire.

“Let’s not go for illegal selling, illegal using, as long as it is illegal. We have designated stores or malls selling butane canisters that follow the DOE (Department of Energy) standards,” he said.

“As of now, we are going to monitor and validate if there’s any information on anyone involved in manufacturing or even refilling illegal butane canisters,” he added. WBS