DOE moves to secure Mindanao power facilities

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has convened an inter-agency task force to secure power facilities in Mindanao in the wake of the Marawi crisis.

“I have requested the secretary of national defense to help us secure energy facilities such as power plants, transmission tower, distribution facilities and oil depots in Mindanao and other vulnerable areas nationwide,” Cusi said.

President Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao shortly before midnight on Tuesday after the outlawed Maute group launched a series of attacks in Marawi City.

Cusi is among 16 Cabinet secretaries who flew with the President on Monday to Moscow for an official visit.

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) in Marawi City monitored a tripping caused by a disturbance at the Mindanao State University (MSU) loadend switching station.

Transmission line personnel cannot be mobilized to inspect and fix the defective facility due to the lockdown in the area.

Power supply in the rest of Mindanao remains normal, the NGCP said.

“After the lockdown and the declaration of martial law at around 11 p.m. on Tuesday until 7 a.m. yesterday, NGCP’s Mindanao operations and maintenance is under normal operations,” it said.

Power supply from Agus 1 Hydro Plant to Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative (Lasureco) feeder remains normal, with only five megawatts being drawn compared to the normal 12 MW loading.

The NGCP said its personnel are secure amid the declaration of martial law in the region.

“NGCP is preparing its contingency plans for the next 60 days,” it said.