Blasts topple wind farm towers

LAOAG CITY, Philippines – Two powerful explosions the other night destroyed at least two transmission towers of the Northern Luzon UPC Asia Corp., which operates part of the wind farms in Ilocos Norte.

Senior Superintendent Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. of the Ilocos Norte police said investigators were still determining what caused the explosions.

The towers, each 100 meters high, transmit electricity from the Caparispisan Wind Farm in Pagudpud town. The farm is a $220-million joint venture of AC Energy Holdings, UPC Philippines Wind Holdco and Philippine Alliance for Infrastructure.

Virgilio Calimbas, barangay councilor of nearby Barangay San Juan, said the blasts were so loud.

Lilibeth Gaydowen, communication and public affairs officer of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, said NGCP power lines in the province were not affected.

UPC Asia had not given any statement as of last night.