Naga folk to bring complaint against BFP, Petronas to court

CEBU, Philippines - At least two residents of Barangay Langtad, City of Naga, Cebu are determined to file case against the Bureau of Fire Protection following the issuance of a clearance to Petronas Corporation's gas storage and terminal in the area.

Complainant Zosimo Abaquita wants the BFP officials concerned  charged for gross neglect in the performance of their duty and for violation of the anti-graft law.

During the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza yesterday, Abaquita's lawyer Julius Ceasar Entise said that they are now preparing affidavits of other complainants.

"We intend to file a case for anti-graft for giving unwarranted benefit to a party against BFP," Entise said.

He said that they will also file a petition for injunction against Petronas to stop them from operating the plant until such time they shall have complied with the law.

The complaint stemmed from the issuance by Naga City fire chief, S/Insp. Joel Abarquez of a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate to Petronas Corporation's bulk Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage and terminal.

Abaquita complained of the dangers posed by the two aboveground spherical LPG storage and terminal which has a total water capacity of 2,272,727 liters.

He accused Petronas of violating the Comprehensive Fire Code of the Philippines.

For the aboveground containers with capacity of more than 378,500 liters, the Fire Code requires a minimum distance of 122 meters to the tank's adjoining property.

The Petronas facility in the City of Naga is reportedly located 65 meters from adjoining property.

Entise said the BFP erred in issuance of the certification to Petronas.

He also scored the BFP's investigation report dated November 26, 2013 that affirmed Abarquez's certification as an undue "interpretation of the Fire Code."

"By saying that the 122 meter distance from adjoining property can be reduced because of international standards, the BFP has made an invalid interpretation of the law," Entise said.

He pointed out that the API-ASME Code being invoked by the BFP and Petronas is patently invalid as this cannot supercede the law.

The so-called modern fire protection systems installed in the Naga facility he said are standard requirements for fire safety but these do not "negate the requirement of the law."

Abaquita lamented that instead of listening to their complaints, the BFP is taking same line of argument with the multinational company.

"Akong gisugal akong kinabuhi para lang sa seguridad namong mga lumulupyo dire. Unta paminawon ni nila bisag yano lang kami," Abaquita said. — (FREEMAN)