Cotabato City Bans Roadside Gasoline Vendors

The city government of Cotabato is giving petroleum products vendors along major city streets until the end of the month to dismantle makeshift gasoline stations or face penalties and other charges.

Aniceto Rasalan, executive secretary to Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani, said upon the recommendation of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP-Cotabato City), all shanties and makeshift stores selling petroleum products will be dismantled starting March 1.

“This is to save lives and properties,” Rasalan said, adding that the action also aims to prevent fires and other related accidents.

At least 200 makeshift petroleum stores selling gasoline, crude oil, gas and other motor vehicle products are found operating in various villages in Cotabato City.

“We act before its too late, we act before a life is lost or properties destroyed due to our inaction,” he added.

Dr. Danda Juanday, Cotabato City administrator, said the two-week grace period would allow gasoline vendors, locally called “Tingi-Tingi” gas stations, to look for other sources of income other than what is very dangerous.

Rasalan explained that soft drink bottles are not recommended as containers for highly flammable petroleum products. “Anytime it may explode when expose to direct sunlight,” he said.

Sidewalk gas stations have no safety nets to ensure lives and properties are safe in the event a conflagration occurs.

Under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 8479 or “Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998,” a business operator need to register with the Department of Energy, secure fire safety permits from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Environmental Compliance Certificate from DENR Environmental Management Bureau and other permits like building permit, zoning clearance and business permit from the local government units.

“Without these permits, selling petroleum products is illegal and must be penalized,” Rasalan said. (PNA) JBP/NYP/EOF