For illegal refilling business Village chief nabbed in San Remigio

CEBU, Philippines — An incumbent barangay captain in San Remigio town was arrested Thursday morning for illegally operating a butane refilling business.

Police arrested Captain Immie Luyao Sipalay, of Barangay Victoria, San Remigio, for violation of Presidential Decree 1865. The police swooped down on his refilling station by virtue of the search warrant issued on November 6 by Regional Trial Court Branch 29 Judge Ruben Altubar.

Police recovered several equipment used in the illegal refilling business. Among the items seized were two pieces of weighing scale, six improvised canister refilling machine, nine refilled canisters, three and a half sack of empty canisters, and one grip tool.

Chief Inspector William Homoc, San Remigio Police chief, said the evidence seized could be worth millions. Homoc said that Sipalay confessed that she sourced some of her supply from a certain Bienvenido Suhetado, whom she said is a bigger player in the butane refilling business.

The police, however, failed to arrest him. But, Homoc said they will include him in the filing of charges. Sipalay is allegedly supplying refilled butane canisters in Bantayan, Asturias, Tuburan, Tabuelan, and Bogo City.

Homoc said it was public knowledge in San Remigio that Sipalay was involved in the illegal refilling business.

“At least amo ni siya giuna, to send a message to other illegal refilling business owners nga dili ta mupasaylo and di ta mahadlok,” Homoc said.— FPL (FREEMAN)