Just eight days after three NGCP towers in Patani, Marawi City were bombed, another tower within the same area was targeted in the evening of November 6. Tower #13 along Agus 2 – Kibawe 138-kilovolt (kV) line 2 in Guimba, Marawi City was bombed by yet to be identified perpetrators, making it the 10th tower bombed this year.
Tower # 13 of Agus 2 – Kibawe 138kV line 2 was bombed around 9:00 PM of Nov. 6. This is the 10th tower bombed by lawless elements in 2015.
While the explosion did not topple the tower, the damage it sustained caused it to lean, putting the transmission facility in a more critical condition.
Tower #13 suffered extensive damage along its legs, causing it to lean. NGCP was able to repair the said facility on November 9, 2015, together with the three towers bombed on October 29.
Last October 29, three towers along the same transmission line were bombed. Of the three, two structures, towers #19 and #20, were toppled. The third tower, #21 sustained damage, but was fortunately not toppled.
At 1:50 PM of November 9, NGCP was able to fully restore the Agus 2 – Kibawe 138kV line 2 after implementing temporary measures to transmit electricity produced by Agus 1 and 2 hydropower plants to the rest of the Mindanao grid.
NGCP line personnel construct temporary structures to re-energize the Agus 2-Kibawe 138kV line 2. On November 9, the said transmission line was completely restored.
The PNP and AFP are leading in the investigation and exerting all efforts at catching the perpetrator/s.
“This is the 10th tower bombed by lawless elements in 2015 alone, with 5 towers bombed within the month of October. We are very concerned that this situation seems to be escalating, with each incident happening progressively closer to each other,” the company stressed. “With the help of the local authorities, several other bombs were found on our facilities, but these 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.
NGCP’s steel tower sustained heavy damages from the bombings that caused Agus 1 and Agus 2 hydro power plants to be isolated from the Mindanao grid.
Restoration of transmission services to affected areas were likewise hampered by 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. (PR)