2 Marawi power towers bombed

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Parts of Mindanao are experiencing longer blackouts following the bombing of two transmission towers of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) in Marawi City Thursday night.

Agus 1 and Agus 2, which supply 80 megawatts and 180 MW, respectively, were isolated, causing power loss in several areas in the Mindanao grid, the NGCP said in an advisory. 

Beth Lagada, NGCP information officer, said the blast affected the towers in Barangay Sugod. 

“Load curtailment may be implemented for one to two hours during peak hours. The duration will depend on the distribution utilities,” Jennifer de Jesus of  the NGCP’s corporate communications and public affairs departments said in a text message.

The NGCP assured the affected consumers it would start restoration activities as soon as the area is secured.

Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said he ordered Army units in Lanao del Sur and Marawi City to help the police investigate the incident. – Roel Pareño, John Unson, Danessa Rivera