BIFF blamed for power tower bombings in Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Lost command rebels believed to be part of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) have plotted to bomb more power pylons in Mindanao, according to authorities.

The report came out after steel tower No. 4 of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), which carries power line of 138-kilovolt Agus 2 located in Barangay Nangka, Baloi, Lanao del Sur, was bombed Monday morning.

The explosion, which failed to topple down the steel pylon, brought power interruption to vast areas of different cooperatives.

Beth Ladaga, NGCP corporate communication officer for Western Mindanao, said at least eight steel towers were planned to be bombed by lawless elements over the holiday season based on intelligence reports.

She said the explosion in Baloi was the fourth attack so far since December 24.

“We appealed to the public specially those localities where our power towers are located to help us monitor to avert any power interruption,” Lagada said.

She also made an appeal to government security forces for assistance in resolving security issues involving transmission lines.

Ladaga did not say if the NGCP were receiving extortion demand from any lawless group which prompted the bombings.