NGCP towers bombed in Marawi City

Press Release
November 3, 2015

QUEZON CITY – Two towers along NGCP's Agus 2 - Kibawe138-kilovolt (kV) line in Patani, Marawi City were bombed at 9:20 PM on October 29, 2015. Around 78 megawatts (MW) of power supplied by Agus 1 and 2 Hydro Power Plants were lost to the grid, aggravating the deficiency in the Mindanao. For 30 October 2015, projected system deficiency was 150 MW, lengthening the power interruptions endured by some areas. Additional load curtailment among grid customers was implemented for one to two hours during peak hours.

With the return of the generating facilities of STEAG and Mt. Apo, the deficiency for November 3, 2015 is pegged at 40MW, placing the Mindanao Grid on red alert. The duration of the power interruptions experienced by end-consumers will vary, depending on their respective distribution utilities.

“This is the 7th tower toppled by lawless elements in 2015 alone. The last 2 towers were bombed on October 9, 2015, only three weeks from this latest incident. We are very concerned that this situation seems to be escalating,” the company stressed. “Another tower, Tower 21, was also bombed, but fortunately, the structure was not toppled. With the help of the local authorities, several other bombs were found on our facilities, but these did not detonate and were safely disposed of,” said NGCP.

“NGCP is appealing to the public to help monitor the safety of the towers so that transmission services remain uninterrupted,” NGCP said. “If anyone sees anything suspicious at or around our towers and facilities, please inform us immediately. You may text us your tips and other information at 09178791077.”

NGCP is fully cooperating with law enforcement agencies as they investigate the incident. Restoration efforts began as soon as the area was declared safe.

To hasten the restoration of transmission services to affected areas, NGCP will attempt to energize its Baloi- Agus 2 line, which was earlier disabled because of uncooperative landowners who are preventing NGCP from conducting much needed vegetation clearing activities. Elements of the Philippine Armed Forces are currently assisting NGCP in entering the properties of the uncooperative landowners to expedite restoration.

NGCP has repeatedly appealed to the government and the Philippine Army for assistance in resolving escalating security and right-of-way issues in Mindanao.