At first glance, this just appears to be a closed store along the road in Barangay San Vicente, Baguio City.
But when opened, it turns out to be a gas station with a diesel tank and fuel pump.
This gas station was discovered this year due to complaints from residents about the potential dangers it posed.
“Yes, because of safety concerns, especially since it’s in the community. Even a simple report was raised to us,” said Daryll Kim Longid, Chief at Public Order and Safety Division (POSD).
The said gas station is owned by a transport cooperative, serving as a refueling station for their jeepney units.
When asked for a business permit, the person in charge could only present the cooperative’s business permit.
The establishment also could not provide additional documents from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Energy (DOE), or the city government, which makes it even more hazardous.
Adding to the concern, cigarette butts were found just outside the establishment.
The attendant at the gas station declined to give a statement but assured them that they would empty the tank before dismantling it.
The Business Permits and Licensing Office added that they are not against it but public safety is at stake in case of any unforeseen incident.
This is the third illegal gas station shut down by the city government this year.
**CHARLES NIKKO LIMON
