KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte -- The military has intensified its security and preventive measures for the transmission lines of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) in Kauswagan town in Lanao del Norte on Monday, November 23.
Lieutenant Colonel Leomar Jose Doctolero, commanding officer of the 15th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army based in Bagumbayan, Kauswagan town, said the power pylons in Lanao del Norte are safe from possible sabotage, but added, “We cannot discount the possibility that what happened in Marawi City can happen in Lanao del Norte."
Doctolero said that "Peace spoilers” will attack anytime, anywhere, wherein the towers are vulnerable."
“We are involving the community in the area to be vigilant and help prevent possible pylon attacks in Lanao del Norte. We are doing our best in providing these security measures to prevent such occurrence."
The joint patrol between the military and community leaders in the remote villages of Tingin-tingin and Baraason discovered that there are growing commercial and fruits trees planted underneath the road right of way of these power lines.
Elizabeth Ladaga, head of the corporate communication and public office of NGCP Mindanao, said that once the vegetation touches the 138KV lines it will trigger trip off that will affect the power supply in Zamboanga Peninsula and some parts of Mindanao.
Malk Macabato, association of barangay council chairperson and member of Kauswagan Municipal Council, said they are assisting the military in monitoring armed groups that may have intentions to disrupt the peace and order in their areas.
At least three power pylons were bombed in Marawi City last October and November.
The linemen from NGCP installed an emergency restoration system to restore power back in some parts of Bukidnon and Davao Region while the engineering team dismantled the toppled towers and constructed a new one in the area.