Davao imposes stricter rules on transport of flammables

A week after a violent tanker explosion killed some 50 persons in Zamboanga del Sur, officials in Davao City have laid down stricter measures for transporting flammable materials. Sun-Star Davao (www.sunstar.com.ph) reported that the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Davao City Fire Office wants firms to get permits before transporting flammables in main thoroughfares. “Requiring these vehicles to seek a conveyance or travel permit would also ensure that all vehicles used for the transport of such flammable materials have been inspected and guaranteed to be safe," said Insp. Sixto Jimenez III, chief of the BFP Davao City Operation Section. He said the vehicles will be issued travel permits and allowed to ply main thoroughfares and national highways only after passing BFP assessments. The order stemmed from the explosion of a chemical tanker Maragan village in Tigbao town in Zamboanga del Sur province last Feb. 2. Some 50 persons were killed and 65 injured in that accident. Jimenez said the BFP will also ensure that the vehicles would strictly follow the provisions under Presidential Decree 1185, or the Fire Code of the Philippines. Under PD 1185, vehicles carrying or transporting cryogenic or highly pressurized flammable fluids are required to bear signs and warnings of the contents that they are transporting. The same law also requires the vehicles to be equipped with at least one fire extinguisher. “We would want to ensure a safe environment for the people and ensure that all safety measures are put into place to avert any untoward incident," Jimenez added. Meanwhile, the provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur has set aside P1.5 million to help the victims’ families. Sun-Star Zamboanga (www.sunstar.com.ph) reported Saturday that the provincial board approved a resolution declaring the province a calamity area and allocating funds for it. From the P1.5 million to come from the province’s calamity fund, P500,000 each will be for burial expenses, medical and hospital expenses, and transportation, gasoline and other incidental expenses. Some 50 persons were killed and 65 others injured after a gas tanker exploded and overturned along the highway in Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur. Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Aurora Cerilles initially extended financial assistance of P5,000 per family. Ricasa Trading and Allied Services, which owns the tanker, also handed an initial cash assistance of P500,000 to the victims, through provincial social welfare officer Conchita San Diego. Tigbao Mayor Edmundo Dalid said he will also extend financial assistance to the families of victims from his town and to those who tried to rescue the truck driver and helpers. Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat said the local government will also extend financial assistance to the families of the victims. He said it will be coursed either through the provincial or municipal government. -GMANews.TV