Lapu-Lapu eyes ban on sale of butane canisters

CEBU, Philippines – Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza is urging the City Council to craft an  ordinance that will prohibit the use and selling of refilled butane canisters in the city.

The suggestion came after numerous fire incidents have been reported by the City Fire District.

In a press conference yesterday, Radaza said fire investigators have complained over reports of fire alarms related to the use of canisters filled with liquified petroleum gas.

"Sunod-sunod nga report sa fire and butane ang cause sa sunog. We're looking into this kung unsa gyud ang legal action ani kay ang Fire (department) nireklamo na gyud sila," Radaza said.

According to lawyer Vonrad Dobluis, chief inspector of the Lapu-Lapu City Fire District, at least three fire incidents happened in separate areas recently.

Five houses were gutten in a fire in Sitio Kabatuan, Barangay Maribago last August 11 with damages pegged at P75,000. A butane cannister exploded past 10 a.m that day.

Last October 11, some 28 houses in a Muslim community in Purok Gemelina, Barangay Poblacion were also burned down at around 11 a.m. due  to a leaked butane cannister. Damages were estimated at P250,000.

On October 24, another fire also erupted in Sitio Seawage, Barangay Pusok (not Sitio Sea Breeze, Barangay Mactan as reported earlier), destroying eight houses with an estimated damage of P300,000. Unattended cooking with the use of butane cannister was blamed for the incident.

Radaza said the selling and use of refilled butane cannisters have been banned in the cities of Cebu and Mandaue. She said this time, Lapu-Lapu City should also draft such ordinance.

"Though we know it's cheap, ang ako lang, safety sa mga tawo kay di man ta assured nga ang naggamit, nagmatngon sad og maayo. Most probably, wala sila'y kalibutan sa kung unsa’y effect (sa butane)," Radaza said.

Dobluis said that if the ordinance will be approved, they will inspect stores selling butane canisters in the public markets and confiscate the same, according to the provisions of the local legislation.

"Definitely we will (inspect) once resolution banning the selling and use of refilled butane cannisters is approved," he said. (FREEMAN)