2 butane canister refillers nabbed

CEBU, Philippines — In what was supposed to be an implementation of an arrest warrant against a rape suspect, authorities instead apprehended two persons for illegal refilling of butane canisters in Sitio Kanapnapan, Barangay Campo 8, Toledo City, midwest Cebu.

Cesario Cabaluna, 42, and Felix Aribias, 32, reportedly used liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in filling canisters, a violation of the Presidential Decree No. 1865.

Another suspect, Christopher Tinajura, a barangay kagawad of Campo, however, was able to evade arrest.

Seized from them were 348 butane canisters worth around P7,000, 10 LPG tanks, a weighing scale, two improvised refilling gauge, and a motorcycle.

Toledo police were tipped off about the presence of Dionisio “Dione” Batoctoy, who has an existing warrant of arrest for the case of rape, in Sitio Kanapnapan.

While heading to the location, the police passed by a makeshift tent where several persons were seen refilling the canisters with LPG.

The suspects allegedly scampered in different directions at the sight of the arriving policemen.

But the cops were able to arrest Cabaluna and Aribias, who failed to provide government permits and licenses for the refilling business. 

The suspects may face charges for violating PD No. 1865 for illegal trading of petroleum products.

PD No. 1865 prohibits the sale, distribution and transport of adulterated petroleum products. Violation of this provision is punishable by two to five years imprisonment and fine of at least P20,000.

Empty butane canisters must be disposed of once empty. However, unscrupulous businessmen refill the canisters with LPG, thus making these vulnerable to explosion because the canister is design only for butane.

The canisters are supposed to contain pure butane fuel. However, LPG is composed of 40 percent butane and 60 percent propane.

Butane-filled canisters are popular products in the Philippines as fuel for portable stoves. But it also gave rise to the practice of refilling empty butane canisters with LPG, which are sold at P15 to P30 per canister, or just a fraction of the cost of a brand new butane-filled canister. — David E Mesias, CNU Intern/KBQ (FREEMAN)