Bombed power tower still unrepaired

MANILA, Philippines - A critical power transmission line in Mindanao remains non-operational as the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) has been barred from doing repair work.

The NGCP said it repaired Tower 50 along the Agus 2-Kibawe 138-kiloVolt line – which was bombed on Jan. 18 – but it has yet to be restored because another tower along the line remains toppled.

“NGCP was unable to conduct restoration activities on the facility as land claimants, the Sambitory clan, continue to refuse NGCP entry to the property where Tower 25 is located,” the grid operator said.

Tower 25 was repaired after it was toppled on Dec. 24. It was bombed again on May 2 and May 31.

The NGCP said tension between the military and a terrorist group led by the Maute brothers in Lanao del Sur is aggravating the situation.

“NGCP appeals to the national and local government, community leaders and residents near transmission towers for help in keeping transmission facilities safe,” it said.

The NGCP reiterated its call to Congress to pass a law that will make it illegal to plant high trees and construct residential and industrial structures under power transmission lines.