ILOILO City – A fire volunteer group has called out a dangerous and illegal parking violation after a red sedan was found blocking a fire hydrant at Molo district plaza — just hours after firefighters scrambled to contain a blaze in nearby Barangay Habog-Habog Salvacion on Wednesday afternoon.
Federation Fire Iloilo, an active community fire response group, posted a photo of the car on social media with the caption: “Hi HONDA… As a friendly reminder, it’s a No Parking Zone. (Molo Plaza Fire Hydrant).” The image quickly circulated online, fueling outrage and urgent calls for stricter traffic enforcement.
The group emphasized that such obstructions can severely hamper emergency response efforts.
“Blocking a hydrant isn’t just illegal — it’s a threat to public safety,” they said. “Please don’t block hydrants. It can delay rescue. It can cost lives.”
The fire in Barangay Habog-Habog underscored the urgency of unobstructed access to hydrants, reinforcing what fire responders described as a recurring issue that needs immediate and sustained attention.
Under Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, parking within four meters of a fire hydrant is prohibited, even if the vehicle is occupied. Section 8 of the Fire Code of the Philippines (RA 9514) imposes penalties of up to P50,000 for obstructing hydrants.
City traffic enforcement personnel also came under fire for failing to address the violation. Traffic and Transportation Management Office (TTMO) chief, Uldarico Garbanzos, acknowledged lapses in the area.
“The vehicle should have been clamped and cited immediately,” he said.
A memo has since been issued to traffic aides, supervisors, and clearing teams, requiring them to explain their inaction within 24 hours.
TTMO is now coordinating with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 6 to trace the vehicle’s owner. Plans are also underway to install clearer “No Parking” signage near fire hydrants in high-risk areas./PN
