ILOILO – The Iloilo provincial government and the Department of Energy (DOE) are establishing enforcement protocols across the province’s 43 local government units to prevent illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) refilling operations from spilling over from neighboring Aklan and Capiz.
The preventive crackdown follows the reported emergence of two illegal LPG refilling cases in the two provinces, prompting authorities to strengthen surveillance before similar operations can gain a foothold in Iloilo.
Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) head Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle Buyco Jr. said he met with Engr. Jose Rey Maleza, chief of the Oil Industry Management Division of the DOE Visayas Field Office, to discuss the threat to public safety.
“Nag-request sila nga buligan naton sila coordinate sa mga banwa kag sa Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) pero for the province of Iloilo daw indi gid problema sa aton. Ang gina-anticipate nila ang pag-spill over from Kalibo kag Capiz nga problema sa illegal refilling sang LPGs,” Buyco told Panay News.
While no significant illegal LPG refilling problem has been detected in Iloilo, the DOE sought the provincial government’s assistance in coordinating with the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and all 43 LGUs.
Local authorities will monitor their respective jurisdictions for illegal refilling establishments and the entry of equipment that could be used in the unauthorized transfer of LPG.
“Basi kun mag-develop diri sa probinsya so gin-unahan nila kag upod sa PNP, ginburoligan naton nga ma-in place ang protocols para ingkaso may ara magsulod nga illegal mga refilling, ma-address dayun,” Buyco added.
Under the proposed enforcement arrangement, the provincial government and LGUs will monitor commercial establishments suspected of illegally refilling LPG cylinders and report them to the police for appropriate action.
Buyco stressed that establishments must first secure the required permits from the DOE and concerned LGUs before undertaking LPG refilling operations because of the dangers posed by combustible fumes and possible fires.
“Kun legal ang operation, may nagakaigu nga permit and required gid na sila kay delikado ina kay may fire hazard,” he said.
He urged businesses planning to enter or already engaged in LPG refilling to secure the necessary permits and strictly comply with safety requirements.
Residents were also encouraged to immediately report suspected illegal LPG refilling activities to authorities to help prevent fires and other threats to the lives and health of surrounding communities./PN
