Fayette C. Riñen
CEBU, September 14 (PIA) –
Possible explosions are highly likely to occur causing possible loss of lives
and damage to properties following fire accidents due to the use of liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG) refilled canisters, warned the Department of Energy (DOE)
Visayas.
DOE-Visayas Director
Antonio Labios emphasized safety concerns over cheap costs of refilling the LPG
canister amid the proliferation of illegal or backyard refilling of LPG or
butane canisters in Cebu.
“Refilling butane
canisters only costs from P8.50 to P12 compared to buying the LPG priced at
over P200 for 2.5 kilograms to P600 for 11 kilograms,” said Labios adding that
the cheap price comes at a cost.
According to Labios, the
proliferation of LPG-refilled canisters is abundant in Mindanao and Cebu and is
now starting to grow in Negros Oriental and Leyte.
DOE-Visayas has noted
three related explosions due to the use of LPG-refilled butane canisters in
Cebu although no fatality has been recorded.
“We are strengthening
the monitoring of backyard refilling of LPG,” said Labios but its action is
constrained due to limited manpower with only six inspectors for the entire
Visayas Region.
Russ Mark Gamallo, legal
officer of the DOE-Visayas, however, said pursuing those behind the backyard
refilling of LPG canisters can be difficult as this is usually done inside the
residence.
Gamallo said the public
can also help monitor such illegal activities in their neighborhood so this can
be immediately acted upon.
“Under Presidential
Decree 1865, it is illegal to trade, sell, distribute or haul LPG-refilled
canisters and those found guilty can face two to five years imprisonment and
fine of P20,000 to P50,000,” said Gamallo.
Meanwhile, Labios lauded
the cities of Mandaie, Lapulapu and Danao for passing a local ordinance against
the use of LPG-refilled canisters giving teeth to the national law.
“Local government units’
support is very critical to put a stop to these illegal LPG-refilling of
canisters,” as the agency is in talks with the cities of Talisay and Cebu for
the similar passage of a local ordinance.
Just last week, the Cebu
province passed an ordinance titled “Anti-LPG Refilled Butane in Canister
Ordinance” with corresponding penalties for those who violate the local law.
(rmn/fcr/PIA7)