Transmission line to Mindanao State University repaired amid fighting — NGCP

THE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) said during the weekend it has energized the transmission line that provides power to the Mindanao State University (MSU), which has been in the line of fire amid a government counterattack on terrorists that began May 23 in Marawi City, provincial capital of Lanao del Sur.

The privately owned power grid operator said it had pushed through with the plan despite the gunfire, which it said continues to be heard with the university’s periphery.

“We decided to go and proceed with the repair with three line crews, in order to give a ray of hope to the lone government university in Marawi City, the MSU,” NGCP said, citing its team leader in the power restoration group for Marawi City.

It said the transmission facility tripped on May 23 when the security crisis in the city started and prompted the declaration of martial law in the southern third of the Philippines.

It said power to the university was restored as of 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.

“Thankfully, the restoration activity was completed without incident,” NGCP said.

NGCP said that by energizing the line, directly connected customer MSU was energized and now receives power from the Mindanao power grid.

“We are very proud of our team. The bravery demonstrated by the substation crew, who have not left their posts since the hostilities started, despite the risk to themselves, is truly laudable. We also commend our line crew who conducted repairs amidst audible gunfire. Their extraordinary bravery and dedication to public service is something we all aspire to,” said NGCP, which also acknowledged the Armed Forces of the Philippines “for providing security for supplies being ferried to NGCP personnel on duty in hostile areas.”

The company assured it was ready to conduct similar repair and restoration efforts to ensure that power delivery service is continuous to its customers and household consumers.