Mandaue to fine transporters of refilled butane canisters

CEBU, Philippines - The Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM) is warning drivers of motorcycles and other types of vehicles that it will issue citation tickets and enforce fines on those caught carrying refilled butane canisters while driving along Mandaue City's streets.

The warning was issued by TEAM Chief of Operations Glenn Antigua as they continue to spot vehicles carrying refilled butane canisters.  For those caught, a citation ticket will be issued to the hauler and the refilled butane canisters will be confiscated by the Mandaue City government. Violators will be fined P3,000. If violators are found to be operating without business permit, they will be fined P5,000.

“Ang butane canister automatic na gyud siya nga confiscate ug di na gyud siya iuli,” Antigua added.

Since last week, at least five motorcycles carrying refilled butane canister were apprehended and at least 500 canisters were confiscated. The canisters have been turned over to the Department of Energy (DOE) for proper disposal.

According to Antigua, the apprehension and confiscation of refilled butane canisters is in line with existing City Ordinance No. 13-2015-1005, which prohibits the sale and distribution of refilled butane canisters.

“Karon among gipanghingusgan ang pagpanakop aning mga butane canister. Naa man sa city ordinance nga ang city di mohatag ug permit ana sa butane, wa gyud ta'y permit sa city . Naa pud sa ordinance, hasta ang mag-deliver apil pud siya sa dakop,” Antigua said.

Under the ordinance, the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) and TEAM, in close coordination with the DOE, are tasked to apprehend haulers of refilled butane canisters. —/JBB (FREEMAN)