DOE continues to intensify drive vs LPG-refilled butane canisters

Russ Mark Gamallo, legal officer of the Department of Energy Visayas Field Office, says the agency, in cooperation with the Philippine National Police, continues its aggressive campaign against the illegal refilling and sale of butane canisters. /CDN File Photo

CEBU CITY, Philippines–The Department of Energy in Central Visayas (DOE-7) continues to intensify their campaign against the refill and sale of LPG-filled butane canisters.

Russ Mark Gamallo, legal officer of the DOE Visayas Field Office, said they have around 300 pending cases filed against violators coming from different areas in the Visayas.

Gamallo said they have filed almost 300 criminal cases for violation of Presidential Decree 1865 that prohibits the illegal trade of petroleum products.

Under PD1865, the adulteration of finished petroleum products or possession of adulterated finished petroleum products for sale, distribution, transportation, exchange or barter is prohibited. Violation of this provision is punishable by two to five years imprisonment and fine of at least P20,000.

Violators of the decree include the former mayor of Lila Town in Bohol province who was arrested January last year, he said.

The raids conducted on former mayor Alfonso Lim’s house and a warehouse in Tagbilaran City yielded P2.8 million worth of butane canisters, LPG gas tanks and other illegal gas refilling paraphernalia.

Gamallo said almost 150 violators have been convicted so far, mostly imposed with fines.

DOE Visayas Field Office officials met with LPG retailers Tuesday, April 16, to brief them of the requirements on the sale, distribution and transport of the first-ever certified LPG welded steel cylinders.

Jose Rey Maleza, officer-in-charge of DOE Visayas Field Office, said he hoped that the availability of these certified LPG cylinders would put a stop to the illegal sale of butane canisters filled with LPG./dcb