Naga residents say Petronas LPG plant pose fire risk

RESIDENTS of Naga City, south Cebu are requesting the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to take “immediate actions” against a company for constructing a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) terminal plant near residential areas.

The letter complaint signed by Zosimo Abaquita of sitio Mohon, barangay Langtad, Naga City, said Petronas Energy Philippines Inc. failed to comply with the provisions of the Republic Act 9514 or the Fire Code of the Philippines 2008 which mandates certain requirements in constructing a LPG station.

Based on the complaint addressed to Senior Supt. Ma. Luisa Hadjula, regional director of BFP-7, the LPG storage and receiving tanks in Naga City are situated 65 meters from adjoining properties.

Under the law, however, LPG containers of more than 378,500 liters ‘water capacity’ should be constructed at least 122 meters from the perimeter line of the adjoining property.

“Having a capacity of more than 378,500 liters, Petronas’ tanks should therefore be built at least 122 meters from the adjoining property,” the complainant said.

Petronas has completed construction of its LPG storage and receiving tanks in Naga City. The two aboveground tanks have a capacity of 2.27 million liters.

If Petronas is permitted to commence its operations, the complainant said there will be “incomprehensible damage to the lives and properties of residents.”

“I wish to bring to you a situation which could be an accident waiting to happen and if it does happen, countless lives and properties will eventually be lost and wasted,” Abaquita said.

Aside from the BFP, the complaint was also addressed to the Department of Labor and Employment, Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong, Engr. Arthur Villamor of the Office of the Building Official, Naga City Fire Marshal Joel Abarquiz, and the barangay captain of Langtad.

The complainant said government agencies should “not turn a blind eye” on blatant violations of rules and regulations designed for public safety.