P1.7 million butane canister refilling equipment seized in Consolacion

CEBU, Philippines — Police seized about P1.7 million worth of equipment for illegal butane refilling business and arrested three persons in Barangay Tayud, Consolacion, Tuesday afternoon.

The suspects were identified as Pedrito Octares, 34; Jerwin Capuli, 29; Elesar Angus, 27; and Daniel Calvo, 34.

Police seized 13,484 empty canisters, 1,358 filled canisters, 74 filled LPG tanks, 107 empty LPG tanks, 24 cartridge type refillers, five digital weighing scales, 12 portable gas stoves, one refiller machine, and two air compressors and a closed van multicab used for trading.

The operation was a joint effort of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-7, Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB)-7, Department of Energy Visayas Field Office (DOE VFO), and Consolacion Police Station.

Police Officer 1 Jennifer Lasquite of CIDG-7 said the four suspects were caught in the act of refilling empty butane canisters.

But the owner of the refilling station was not present during the operation.

Laquiste said they will file a case against the owner.

The suspects told the police that the refilling station has been operating for six months.

Lasquite said they are verifying reports that there are other illegal butane refilling stations operating in Consolacion.

The arrested persons were brought to CIDG pending filing of charges against them while the confiscated items were turned over to DOE VFO.

The suspects will be facing charges for the violation of Presidential Decree 1865.

"Hazardous man gud na siya, so naa siya'y tendency nga dali ra siya mobuto, mo-cause siya og sunog. Mao nang gi-prohibit siya," said Lasquite. (Refilled butane canisters pose hazard as these easily explode and can cause fire.  That is why it is prohibited to refill butane canister.) — Marjory D. Enriquez, USJ-R Intern, MBG, (FREEMAN)