DOE-7: People still use butane

CEBU, Philippines —  Amidst the recent fire in Lapu-Lapu City caused by illegally-refilled butane canisters, the Department of Energy (DOE) believes that several people still patronize this type of fuel.

DOE-Visayas Officer-in-Charge Jose Rey Maleza said that, even with the approval of alternative but compliant cylinders, the illegal activities continue.

Maleza said even with the acknowledged issue on safety, consumers continue to patronize the product endangering lives and properties.

He said they are encouraging local government units to enact ordinance prohibiting the refilling/distribution/sealing of LPG in unprescribed tin or recycled containers and also requesting the consumers not to patronize these unsafe products.

DOE-CV has also requested the local government units (LGU) who have the ordinance (Cebu province, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu) to implement the law for safety and security.

"We're continuing our enforcement with the PNP and concerned LGU in stopping the proliferation of illegal refilling/distribution/retailing of LPG in non-compliant containers," Maleza said.

He added that the problem is not of the DOE alone but of the entire community, including the LGU, law enforcement agencies, and the consumers.

"Lisod man gud dakpon ron ang illegal refillers kay backyard na tanan. Actually, almost every week naay nadakpan na ang PNP in LapuLapu, Mandaue ug other parts of Cebu. But, sa kadako sa business maglisod gyud sila cover tanan," Maleza said.

He added that they are planning to coordinate with the PNP Central Command to plan strategies/action plans to address the problem the soonest and their Central Office is now handling this matter.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard "Ahong" Chan also calls on his constituents to stop using this illegal butane canisters loaded by LPG.

"Akong gimandoan ang PNP ug BFP nga panghingusgan ang pagsikop sa mga illegal butane refilling nga maoy hinungdan sa sunog. Likayan nato ang paggamit sa butane tungod kay ang gigamit sa pag-refill niini mao man ang LPG nga dili kaya sa butane canister. Busa akong panawagan sa tanan mogamitay og butane nga undangon ang paggamit og refil butane haron malikayan ang disgrasya," said Chan on his Facebook post. — GAN (FREEMAN)