NBI raids butane refilling station

CEBU, Philippines -  The National Bureau of Investigation-7 has raided a refilling station for butane canisters in Mandaue City on Thursday for lack of permit to operate.

Lead by lawyer Ermie Monsanto, the NBI agents seized two big machines used in refilling butane canisters and a sample product inside Shemberg Compound.

The NBI was armed with a search warrant issued by Judge Teresita Galanida of the Regional Trial Court in Mandaue City.

The operation stemmed from a complaint filed by Purificacion Bañer before the NBI-7 against Douglas Labra, operator of the refilling station, for theft and for operating business without permit.

Labra said he sought the assistance of the NBI to get the machines back, which he allegedly owns. He claimed that Labra borrowed the machines but failed to return it.

Monsanto said they found out during surveillance that the refilling station had no permit to operate from the barangay and mayor’s office as well as fire inspection permit and permit from the Department of Energy.

The NBI-7 official said their office is planning to recommend to the local government of Mandaue City to order the closure of the said refilling station.

Monsanto said they are now studying the charges to be filed against Labra, who was not in the area during the operation.

DOE has earlier warned the public against refilled butane canisters as these could explode and cause fire, thus posing danger to users and households. —/NSA (FREEMAN)