Mindanao blackouts blamed on ‘maliciously planted vegetation’

An “uncooperative landowner” had caused a blackout in several provinces in northwestern Mindanao earlier this week by letting plants grow under the high-voltage power transmission lines, according to National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP).

The grid operator on Wednesday reiterated its call for the strict implementation of the law against the obstruction of power transmission lines, as violations of the right-of-way corridor along power lines repeatedly cause system outage.

NGCP said in a statement the tripping on Tuesday of the 138-kilovolt Agus 5-Aurora line in Lanao del Norte province was due to “the trimming of maliciously planted vegetation” in Iligan City.

“The vegetation overgrowth was caused by the landowner’s refusal to allow NGCP to conduct line clearing activities,” the company said.

Similarly, if not worse, the complementary 138-kv Balo-i-Aurora transmission line first tripped on Monday, with NGCP blaming saboteurs for intentionally toppling Tower No. 60 by removing parts of the tower before bringing it down with the use of ropes.

As with the case of Agus 5-Aurora, “[o]vergrown vegetation also aggravated the situation [of Balo-i-Aurora] as the landowner refused entry to NGCP personnel while demanding an exorbitant amount in payment for the intentionally planted vegetation,” the company said.

NGCP added that repair work on Balo-i-Aurora was expected to begin on Jan. 20 as the grid operator—with help from local authorities—secured from the landowner access to the vicinity of Tower 60.

“Permanent restoration of the toppled tower will be determined upon completion of damage assessment,” NGCP said.

Power transmission outages “continue to be experienced by customers in the northwestern Mindanao area while the line remains unrestored,” it added.

NGCP noted that Republic Act No. 11361 or the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines law, prohibits the construction of hazardous improvements, planting of vegetation, or performance of any activity under the power corridor of transmission lines as these may cause power interruptions.

“It is also illegal under the law to refuse entry to authorized transmission line personnel to conduct clearing and restoration activities,” NGCP said.

Violators are liable to jail time of six months to 12 years and/or a fine ranging from P50,000 to P200,000.

“We implore the cooperation of landowners and the public to respect RA 11361,” NGCP said. “Hampering the delivery of power transmission services affects not only their immediate vicinity, but the entire region, including hospitals, schools, businesses and entire communities.”