National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) has energized the crucial Agus 2-Baloi 138kV line after clearing right-of-way obstructions.
“At 7 p.m. of May 3, we have successfully energized the Agus 2-Baloi line after invoking the Comelec (Commission on Elections) resolution and with the assistance of government and law enforcement agencies during the clearing operations,” NGCP said.
The company said this was one of eight lines identified as critical in Mindanao that continued to be plagued by uncooperative land claimants demanding exorbitant amounts.
The other lines deemed critical are: Agus 2–Kibawe 138kV Lines, Agus 1–Agus 2 138kV Line, Baloi–Agus 6 138kV Lines, Baloi–Agus 6 69kV Line, Baloi–Tagoloan 138kV Lines, Baloi–IDPP 138kV Line, and Baloi–Aurora 138kV Lines.
“We reiterate our appeal to the public and local community leaders to help us negotiate with difficult landowners, to prevent longer power interruptions and ensure reliable operations, particularly on election day,” NGCP said in a statement.
In the meantime, NGCP’s Tower No. 25 in the Agus 2-Kibawe 138kV line in Brgy. Linamon, Ramain, Lanao del Sur was reportedly bombed and toppled in the evening of May 3, according to the grid operator. It may be recalled that this tower was bombed on Dec. 24, 2015. Restoration of the tower took almost three months because uncooperative claimant, the Sambitory family, refused NGCP access to conduct tower repairs.
“This is the sixth bombing of NGCP towers this year. Restoration of tower 25 will commence as soon as the area is secured,” NGCP said in a separate statement.
“Any and all forms of government support to address violations of line safety clearances, particularly maliciously planted trees, will facilitate the efficient delivery of power transmission services to our customers in Mindanao and the rest of the country,” NGCP said.
To prevent longer power interruptions, NGCP continues to appeal to the local community and its leaders to help identify the perpetrators of tower bombings, and to negotiate with uncooperative claimants who deliberately and maliciously plant trees underneath transmission lines.