Secure power towers, Chiz asks MILF

MANILA, Philippines - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) should take the initiative to secure transmission towers in their areas to ensure a stable power supply during the elections, Sen. Francis Escudero said yesterday.

Escudero, who is running for vice president, said the bombings of transmission towers of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines should be stopped. The NGCP has recorded at least 18 attacks on its transmission facilities mostly in Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao since November.  

“These are the areas where the MILF has a presence and wields some form of authority. They will be in a position to secure the NGCP towers,” Escudero said.

“There can be no better time for the MILF to show good faith and sincerity than now when the BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law) is under consideration in the legislature,” he added. 

Escudero said the alleged involvement of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters could be addressed by the MILF since many of its officials and members have relatives and friends in the BIFF. 

“The MILF could also be instrumental in mediating land claims and zonal problems, which have kept the NGCP from throwing a more reliable blanket security around its towers,” he said.

Tap PNP, AFP

The camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay said the government should tap the police and military to secure transmission facilities.

”Let them secure, around the clock if needed, the transmission lines and power facilities to prevent bombings,” said Rico Quicho, Binay’s spokesman for political concerns.

Quicho said the government should also take a proactive legal action against those preventing the repair of the toppled lines.

”If there are valid claims, pay them. Otherwise take legal action to ensure the government is able to exercise its eminent domain powers,” he said. – Marvin Sy, Janvic Mateo