DOE Urges PIOs to Step Up Campaign Vs Illegal Butane Use
Department of Energy 7 urged Cebu public information officers to strengthen campaign against illegal use of butane.
In the recent meeting of the Cebu Association of City and Municipal Public Information Officers (CAOCAMPIO),Engineer Rey Maleza, division chief of the Energy Industry Management Division of DOE Visayas said that the use of butane canisters in the refilling of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) should be totally stopped.
Maleza explained to the PIOs the nature of LPG which needs enough space and a durable material as container for it not be hazardous when exposed to other gases and particles.
“It has been the cause of several fires in Cebu City and in any other parts of the country. Its explosion is like that of a hand grenade,” Maleza said. He said there is really a need for strong local government unit (LGU) intervention.
Some LGUs he said have already passed their own local ordinance and legislation in the enforcement.
He explained that pure butane is mostly imported from Korea and is only designed for one time use.
“Disposable butane canisters have a smaller valves compared to LPG tanks, making it unable to handle the pressure of LPG,” he said.
However the use of the container for refill of LPG has become a usual practice since its sold only at P20 to p25 per canister.
“When you buy the 11 kilogram LPG its costing you almost a thousand but its safe. People would go for the butane canisters like buying it piece per piece, not heavy on the pocket but the danger risk is high,” Maleza said.
Butane canister refilling has now become a backyard industry for some, which prompted them to call for the public’s coordination.
CAOCAMPIO President Michelle Mondigo of Danao City said, they will relay the information in their respective localities.
She said the PIOS can create social media cards and advisories in the social media pages and also in the regular meetings of barangay officials.
Under Presidential Decree 1865, the penalty for illegal refill and distribution of LPG is only not less than 20,000 up to P50,000 and two to five years imprisonment if proven guilty. (fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
