KIDAPAWAN CITY (MindaNews/25 November) — Personnel from the City Fire Department confiscated on Thursday some 500 liters of special gasoline being sold along the highway from at least 10 small outlets here.
The gasoline was placed in at least 34 containers, according to City fire marshal Darwin Custodio.
Of the 34 containers, 23 were aboard a red multi-cab allegedly owned by a gasoline trader operating in Makilala, North Cotabato, said Psalmer Bernalte, spokesperson of the city government’s Local Price Coordinating Council.
The multi-cab came from Makilala town and was reportedly on its way to the city to distribute gasoline containers to their several outlets when intercepted by some city fire personnel.
Led by Custodio, they chased the vehicle and caught up with it along the highway.
Custodio also led the confiscation of soft drink bottles filled with special gasoline being sold in at least 10 outlets in the city.
The “takal takal” or the retail sale of fuel along the road is strictly prohibited under the Fire Code, authorities said.
“This poses clear and imminent danger to the public so it must be stopped,” Custodio explained.
He, however, said a local ordinance is needed to effectively stop the practice of takal-takal.
In North Cotabato, Kabacan, Makilala and Antipas towns have existing ordinance banning “takal-takal”, he said. (Malu Cadelina Manar/MindaNews)
