Bombed NGCP tower repaired; power restored

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A tower of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, which was toppled in a bomb explosion on Monday, has been repaired.

The Baloi-Aurora 138-kiloVolt line, which tripped due to the bombing, was energized at around 4:39 a.m. yesterday, restoring power in the entire Zamboanga peninsula, Misamis Occidental and parts of Lanao del Norte, according to Beth Ladaga, NGCP public affairs officer for Western Mindanao.

Power service was cut off for more than 24 hours in these areas after unidentified persons set off an improvised explosive device at the NGCP’s Tower 8 in Sitio San Isidro in Barangay Bagombayan.

The blast left one of the suspects dead, according to responding police and military personnel.

Ladaga said NGCP ground crew expedited the dismantling of the toppled tower and erected an emergency restoration system of the affected line less than 36 hours after the explosion.

She said the NGCP is committed to providing reliable power transmission services despite unforeseen challenges and threats posed by lawless elements.

The NGCP commended the police and military for securing its personnel while repair works were being conducted.

“We laud the efforts and bravery of our line personnel who pursued immediate restoration without hesitation,” Lagada added, quoting a statement of the NGCP management.

The NGCP urged the public to report suspicious activities within its transmission corridor to avoid disruption of power.

It warned the public that sabotage of transmission facilities is punishable by a fine of up to P200,000 and prison term of up to 12 years or both. –  Richmond Mercurio