Butane retailers arrested

CEBU, Philippines — Three people were arrested in separate operations conducted by the authorities against the illegal refilling and trading of butane in Cebu City.

According to the police report, Seba Secuya, 33, and Celso Atabay, were arrested in Barangay Ermita around 10 a.m. yesterday after being caught selling refilled butane canisters in their store.

The operation was conducted by personnel of the Carbon Police Station and the Department of Energy (DOE).

Both suspects failed to present certifications to operate from the DOE.

Another butane retailer, Christine Bacatan, 33, was arrested in Sitio Banawa, Barangay Guadalupe, around 11 a.m.

Operatives recovered 26 refilled and 156 empty butane canisters from Secuya and Atabay, while Bacatan was found with 55 butane canisters.

Secuya and Atabay are now detained at the Carbon Police Station, while Bacatan is set to be transferred to the Cebu City Police Office.

The butane canisters are now stored in Cebu City Police Office and the Guadalupe Police Station. —/BRP (FREEMAN)