Panabo City, Davao del Norte — Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation–Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-SEMRO) arrested two men involved in the illegal refilling of butane gas canisters during a law enforcement operation in Purok Tambis, Barangay Gredu, Panabo City on Wednesday afternoon, November 5, 2025.
According to NBI Region XI spokesperson Elias Leaño, the suspects were caught in the act of conducting a dangerous “decanting” process—transferring gas from large LPG containers into small butane canisters—without the necessary permits, equipment, or adherence to safety standards. The illegally refilled butane canisters were reportedly being sold at ₱18 each.
Leaño said the operation stemmed from complaints by a legitimate butane distributor and several concerned residents who feared the setup could spark fires or explosions. Initial investigations revealed that the illegal refilling activity had been operating for the past two years and is suspected to have links to certain local authorities in Panabo.
The NBI is still verifying the identity of the suspects’ employer as part of the ongoing probe. The two arrested workers will face charges for violating Republic Act No. 11592, or the LPG Industry Regulation Act, and will be referred to the Panabo City Prosecutor’s Office for inquest proceedings.
In light of the operation, the NBI urged the public to purchase butane gas products only from legitimate manufacturers to avoid potential fire and explosion hazards caused by illegally refilled canisters.