Task force activated for power tower bombings

MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino has activated an inter-agency task force to address the bombing of power transmission towers in Mindanao and right-of-way issues with landowners, Energy Secretary Zenaida Monsada said yesterday.

Monsada said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Security of Energy Facilities (IATFSEF) would report to the President on a weekly basis.

The IATFSEF is composed of representatives of the National Transmission Corp. (TransCo), who will handle right-of-way issues with landowners who are seeking compensation for the installation of transmission lines in their properties; Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines, security matters; Department of Justice, legal aspect; National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), community relations; and Department of Energy (DOE), information, education and communication campaign.

Monsada said the task force has called on communities near the transmission facilities to help the police and military secure the area.

“We have to work together, both Mindanaoans and industry participants…there can be no development without power. Stable power fuels development,” she said.

To address right-of-way issues,  the DOE, during the meeting of the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee in Davao on Thursday, said there should be an inventory and identification of affected properties, including the vegetation and structures therein; valuation of the properties and identification of priority areas.

Aside from the DOE, representatives of the Mindanao Development Authority, National Electrification Administration, National Power Corp., Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management, TransCo, NGCP, Mindanao Electric Power Alliance and Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives attended the meeting.

The DOE assured the public the government is doing its best to ensure reliable, sufficient, stable and secure power supply in the country.