Security, right-of-way bug Mindanao power

CONTINUING security issues and right-of-way problems were hampering the full restoration of power in Mindanao after the bombing of two towers of the Agus 1 and 2 hydroelectric power complex last week, the Department of Energy (DOE) said.

Energy Secretary Zenaida Monsada revealed Tuesday she received reports of a recently thwarted bombing attempt in another power transmission tower.

“This indicates cooperation with the locals and we appeal to all to cooperate and to report any suspicious people or events to authorities,” Monsada said. “Of course, NGCP (National Grid Corp. of the Philippines) cannot solve things on its own, they need help to secure and to access facilities”

The bombing on Oct. 29 of an NGCP tower cut off about 260 megawatts of power flowing from the Agus 1 and 2 hydroelectric power complex, triggering outages in parts of Mindanao.

Monsada said interagency cooperation and community support were vital to solving power problems in southern Philippines.

The NGCP was getting help from local government officials, the Philippine National Police, and the military, she said.