Zamboanga del Sur IPs seek Pnoy's help for investigation on illegal mining operation

By JONG CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, ZAMBO del SUR, Mindanao, Southern Philippines (March 22-PNA) -– The group of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) belong to the organization of Pikumpongan Subanen Lupa Pusaka with a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) 075 in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte sending a letter requesting 

help to President Benigno Aquino III through the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Ramon J.P. Paje to investigate the continuous illegal mining operations in Zamboanga del Sur.

The CADT-075 represented by its tribal leader Chairman Luciano G. Tanglanan in their letter said that the illegal mining operation was conducted by the Small-Scale Miners under the area of a certain Diosdado M. Dioson operated by Global Titan Mining Corporation particularly at Barangay Canoayan in the municipality of Bayog in Zamboanga del Sur up to the boundaries between the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur and in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.
 

The Subanen Ancestral Domain consisting of Barangays/portion of the municipalities of Sindangan, Leon E. Postego, Godod and Siaayan, all of the province of Zambonga del Norte and portion of the municipality of Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur.  

3 more highway mishap victims die in North Cotabato hospital

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Mar 19 (PNA) --Fatalities on Tuesday's freak accident involving a passenger jeepney in Matalam, North Cotabato rose to five after three more victims died in the hospital, officials said.

Fourteen passengers out of 25 people on board a Lawin passenger jeep are still in various hospitals in Matalam and Kidapawan City, according to Matalam police head Chief Inspector Elias Colonia.

Two died on the spot in the freak accident that happened at 10:00 a.m. in Barangay Malamote, Matalam, North Cotabato, when a passenger jeep from Buluan, Maguindanao, bumped the rear side Isuzu dump truck along Mlang-Matalam highway.

Witnesses said the Lawin passenger jeep went out of control after its brake system failed. Colonia said the victims were heading to Midsayap to attend a Muslim wedding Tuesday afternoon when the accident happened.

One passenger said the wedding was postponed due to the accident since one of the passengers was the groom. He was unhurt.

Police identified the fatality on Tuesday as Hadja Zenaida Abdulwahab and Kongan Talutawan, both from Buluan, Maguindanao.

Salahudin Baliwan, driver of the dump truck, said he slowed down his truck upon reaching the school zone and noticed the speeding passenger jeep through his side mirror.

"I suspect the Lawin lost its brake system and crash on the rear of the dump truck," Baliwan told police traffic investigators.

Police said the two earlier fatalities were sitting in front of the passenger jeep.

Baliwan remained in police custody for further investigation, Colonia said. (PNA)

PDS/NYP/EOF

Maldives residents saw "low flying plane"of the morning of disappearance of the Malaysia Airlines flight

MUMBAI, March 19 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Maldives island residents saw "low flying plane" on the morning of disappearance of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, Maldivian news website Haveeru reported.

Haveeru reported that residents of the remote Maldives island of Kuda Huvadhoo said they saw a "low-flying plane" around 6.15am (Maldivian time) on March 8, the day when the flight disappeared.

It also said the residents reported that that it was a white aircraft, with red stripes across it like the planes operated by Malaysia Airlines.

Eyewitnesses from the Kuda Huvadhoo concurred that the plane was traveling North to South-East, towards the Southern tip of the Maldives-Addu island. They also noted the incredibly loud noise that the flight made when it flew over the island.

Haveeru quoted an eyewitness as saying: "I've never seen a jet flying so low over our island before. We've seen seaplanes, but I' m sure that this was not one of those. I could even make out the doors on the plane clearly."

The eyewitness said many other people on the island have also seen the plane.

Mohamed Zaheem, the Island Councilor of Kuda Huvadhoo, said that the residents of the island had spoken about the incident, according to Haveeru.

The Malaysia Airlines jet MH370 disappeared on March 8 with 239 people on board after taking off from Kuala Lumpur bound for Beijing. Investigators say it was deliberately diverted off course.

Twenty-six countries are now helping to hunt for the plane after satellite and military radar data projected two huge corridors through which it might have flown.

Australian and American authorities on Tuesday said they had begun searching the remote Indian Ocean for the missing jet. They conceded it was like looking for a needle in a haystack. (PNA/Xinhua)

LAM/EBP

Cudia had twice broken Honor Code before, says PMA exec

FORT del PILAR, Baguio City, March 17 (PNA) -- The latest incident involving Cdt 1C Aldrin Jeff Cudia was the third violation of the Philippine Military Academy's (PMA) revered Honor Code.

Major Agnes Lynette Flores, PMA public affairs office chief, said in an interview that Cudia was accused of committing two other violations, both involving alleged cheating, in his final year in the academy.

She said the first two charges of cheating were dismissed after a preliminary investigation.

In the investigation of Cudia’s cheating offenses, someone proved that he was given permission to do the supposedly reportable offense, a violation of the PMA honor code.

The investigators saw that there was justification so, both cheating offenses were dismissed.

In his last offense, Cudia lied about the events preceding his attendance in class.

Cudia stated that his class ended at 1500H (3 p.m.) and attended the next class immediately after the other.

He was confronted for being two minutes late in the next class and his excuse was because the previous class ended a few minutes after 3:00 which conflicted his first statement.

Cudia was not allowed to join the graduation march and in the opening statement of President Benigno Aquino III in his speech Sunday insinuated that the Honor Code must be respected in and out of the academy. (PNA)

LAP/JOJO LAMARIA/UTB

Fishermen saw plane crash around Malacca Straits

LANGKAT, N Sumatra, March 18 (PNA/ANTARA News) -- A group of fishermen in North Sumatra provincial sub-district of Pangkalan Susu claims to have seen an air plane crash around the Malacca Straits.

"We saw an airplane crash around the Malacca Straits," one of the fishermen, identified as Hendra, said here on Monday.

Hendra, along with several fishermen, said they went to the sea on Sunday, March 8, for a week of fishing.

Around 11:00 a.m. local time on Sunday, the fishermen saw a white plane crossing and circling.

Then, the ill-fated plane showed smoke coming from the right rear portion when it circled for a second round and tilted to the left.

A moment later, the plane, flying lower, fell from sight.

"We suspect the plane crashed into the sea," he said.

"We could not go to the location where the aircraft was lost due to large waves, and the boat did not have enough fuel," the fisherman said.

The location of the aircraft is believed to be in Idi waters, in Aceh provincial district of East Aceh. (PNA/Antara)

LAM/EBP

Victim escapes death after shooting

DUMINGAG, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines—A barangay kagawad of Marangan of this town was shot by a military auxiliary in this place last March 5, police said.

Authority identified the victim as Francisco C. Batoon, 42, married and a farmer.

Suspect was identified as Geny Lubemdina, male and a member of the civilian volunteer organization.

Investigations showed that the victim was walking on his way towards home when a suspect open fire on him without any words.

Batoon was wounded on his left knee and taken to a hospital for a treatment of a gunshot wound.

The suspect fled to unknown direction after the attack.

Police in this place are conducting investigation on the case.

Vehicle bumps another vehicle

LAPUYAN, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines—A Service Utility Vehicle bumped a motorcycle accidentally Monday, March 3 along the highway in Barangay Bulawan in this town, police said.

Investigators said the driver of the SUV Pajero identified as Dominador J. Retiza was on his way to Pagadian City when a motorcycle driven by certain Sigma Romeo was hit at an intersection in Barangay Bulawan.

Romeo, resident of this town, was injured on his knee.

Both vehicles were impounded at the police station.

Police are investigating the case.

Man stabbed to death

DIPOLOG City, Philippines—A  male was stabbed to death by a suspect last March 2 in this city, police said early in a report.

Victim was identified as Erwin E. Cademas, 18, single and a resident of Polanco town of Zamboanga del Norte province.

Investigators said Cademas with his friends were drinking in a bar when was attacked by more or less six suspects which one of the attackers was identified as Royetter Tizon, a resident of Estaka, this city.

Victim was wounded on the right leg and left back portion of his body and fell down feet away from his attackers.

Cademas was taken to a nearby hospital but a doctor declared him dead minutes after his arrival.

After an investigations, two other suspects were identified as Julius L. Bughaw, 18 and single, and Ronald C. Ventura, 21 and also single, all of this place.

Police here had launched an operations to hunt down other suspects.

Male shot dead

DIPOLOG City, Philippines—A male was shot to death by the an unidentified gunmen in Barangay Sta. Isabel of this city last march 1, police said.

The shooting incident was reported by a kagawad to the police station.

Police team led by Police Chief Inspector Jonathan A. Yabo went to the area and conducted an investigation.

Victim identified only as Tata Mosqueda, 42, married and a resident of this place, was taken to a medical center but died few hours after.

Investigations showed that while talking to someone, Mosqueda was shot by one of the two suspects on a motorcycle hitting his head and neck.

Suspects left the place after the attack.

Police recovered three bullet casings of .45-caliber pistol but no motive of the attack was established as of press time.

Tabak commander swears in new TDPC officers

BY: GIDEON C. CORGUE

 LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur, March 7 (PIA) – Major Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr., commanding officer of 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division,  administered the oath of office of the newly elected officers of the Tabak Defense Press Corps (TDPC) held Tuesday at the Officer’s Club House, 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division headquarters in this municipality.

 Taking their oath before the Tabak commander were Ellen C. Ajijul (GMA7) -President, Charnyl Albaracin (Hardline News) - Vice President for print, Joanne Guangco (dxBZ Radyo Bagting/dxCA Bell FM) - Vice President for broadcast, Gideon Corgue (Philippine Information Agency) – secretary, and board of directors Audee Hampong (GMA7), Albert Sumalpong (dxBZ Radyo Bagting/dxCA Bell FM), Victor Del Pilar (Hardline News), and Noemi Edaga (Philippine Information Agency).

 The TDPC has been an active partner of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) particularly the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division for decades now in promoting peace and stability in Western Mindanao.

 In his message, Trinidad said “the occasion underscores the importance of TDPC as Tabak’s partner.”

 “The TDPC is a vital pillar in the history, growth, and success of defense of the division. Without the organization, the division will not be known to the people,” Trinidad pointed out adding that “the induction ceremony of the officers symbolizes the passing of baton from outgoing craft of stewards to the new set of wardens.”

 “The event serves a challenge to the officers to infuse innovation and fresh leadership. Given the thrust to lead the group, the new officers shall therefore carry the torch of genuine service to others before self,” Trinidad urged.

 Outgoing TDPC president Leah Agonoy turned-over the key of responsibility to new TDPC president Ellen Ajijul.

 In her acceptance speech, Ajijul said: “I am humbled that you have placed your faith and trust in me. This is a responsibility that I do not take lightly, and I will endeavor to lead and represent you with the utmost transparency and boldness.”

 She also vowed to continue to speak for truth and promote high standards of professionalism in the pursuit of journalistic endeavors.

 “We are here not to defend Tabak should there be wrongdoings or abuses committed by its officers and members. We are the agents of change and we will exercise with utmost fairness [our roles] in keeping watch on democracy,” Ajijul concluded. (FPG/GCC/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)

Obama proposes to Putin diplomatic resolution to Ukraine crisis

WASHINGTON, March 7 (PNA/Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama has proposed a diplomatic resolution once again on Thursday to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine in his phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In their hour-long conversation, Obama told the Russian leader that Russia's actions in Crimea, an autonomous republic in southern Ukraine, "are in violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, which has led us to take several steps in response, in coordination with our European partners," the White House said.

The Obama administration announced visa bans and assets freeze Thursday against those Russians and Ukrainians involved in what it called Russia's takeover of Crimea, following suspension of trade and investment talks and military-to-military engagement with Russia.

"President Obama indicated that there is a way to resolve the situation diplomatically, which addresses the interests of Russia, the people of Ukraine, and the international community," the White House said in a readout of the talks, the second this week.

It said Obama's suggestions to include direct talks between the governments of Ukraine and Russia; the deployment of international monitors to ensure the rights of all Ukrainians are protected, including ethnic Russians; the return of Russian forces to their bases in Crimea; and international support for presidential elections in Ukraine in May.

Obama also said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry would continue discussions with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, though the pair had reached no agreement following their talks in Paris and Rome on Wednesday and Thursday.

Russia did not recognize Ukraine's new government put in place after pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted on Feb. 22, and called the events in the neighboring country a coup. (PNA/Xinhua)

FFC/EBP

Soldiers raid NPA safehouse in Cotabato

KIDAPAWAN CITY, March 7 (PNA) Philippines -- Soldiers belonging to the 57th Infantry Battalion of the Army recovered a number of firearms, subversive documents, and some cash in a raid in an alleged rebels’ hideout in President Roxas, North Cotabato, around 3:45 p.m., Thursday, military official said.

Lt. Col. Nilo Vinluan, 57th IB commanding officer, said the raid was conducted after they received intelligence reports that a house in an isolated village in President Roxas is being used as safe house of a certain Commander Boboy of the New Peoples’ Army (NPA).

He said the rebels were caught in a surprise.

The soldiers confiscated caliber 45 and 22 pistols, subversive documents, and some documents containing payroll of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) of the 38th IB dated October 2013, and cash amounting to P100,000.

Such cash, according to Vinluan, was part of the P2.1 million the rebels seized after they ambushed government forces in Tulunan, North Cotabato, on October 11, 2013 that killed eight soldiers and CAFGU.

Also, they seized from the raid some bomb making components, including battery tester, shouldering devices, and 20 mobile phones set to be used as triggering devices for an improvised explosive device (IED).

The raid also resulted to the confiscation of a computer laptop and a printer.(PNA)

FFC/NYP/JOHN ANDREW TABUGOC/JSD

Grenade blast hurts 8 in North Cotabato public market

MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato, March 4 (PNA) -- At least eight people were injured Monday night when a hand grenade exploded inside this town’s public market, police said.

Senior Inspector Henry Narciso, deputy police chief, said witnesses saw one of two motorcycle-riding men hurled a fragmentation grenade at the fish stalls and hurriedly fled.

The blast came while the town was experiencing power interruption at 8:40 p.m, Narciso said.

The blast injured Kryza Jane Torrejas, 13; Virginia Cablas, 56; Quintin Trastisa, 32; Anne Pocapotan, 14; Paula Angelie Masicampo, 20; Rodrigo Cataytay Jr., 31; Bernie Cuerpo, 22; and Charles Monsanto Guhitia, 22, all residents of Midsayap.

“The victims were among the market vendors closing shop at the time of the blast, we are still investigating as of now,” Narciso said.

Cablas said she first heard a loud thud followed by a loud blast seconds later.

Guhitia who sustained shrapnel wounds in the head was rushed to Davao City for further treatment.

Narciso said the fragmentation grenade landed right beside Guhitia who was sitting in one of the market stalls.

The victims were immediately rushed to different hospitals for medication.

Among the motives police investigators are now looking into are rivalry among fish vendors or sabotage act by companions of persons involved carnapping cases.

“We have so many arrested persons involved in carnapping, their companions might have retaliated, but the rivalry issue is the likely motive,” he said.

Residents of Midsayap are no stranger to bombings, having witnessed in many years, and until lately, attacks by extortionists and by the renegade Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Army intelligence officials in North Cotabato said there is a possibility that the BIFF was behind the latest bombing in Midsayap. (PNA)
JBP/NYP/EOF

Senate sets passage of FOI bill on Monday

MANILA, Mar. 4 (PNA) --The Senate is set to pass the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill on third and final reading on April 10.

The measure hurdled the Senate floor with no trouble on second reading Monday night after concluding the period of amendments.

Senator Grace Poe, sponsor of Senate Bill 1733 or the FOI bill, acknowledged the support of senators, advocates and the public in the progress of the measure in the Upper Chamber.

”This measure will arm the public with the tool to scrutinize government transactions to ensure the highest interests of our people and the country,” Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public information and mass media, said.

Among the amendments to the FOI bill are the tightening of the provision on personal privacy and sensitive personal information by defining its parameters.

The senators also approved amendment on the expansion of the concept of national security by including health pandemics and similar situations reflecting the modern definition of national security.

The mandatory posting by government agencies in their official websites of the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth of officials with salary grade 27 or higher has also been included in the controversial bill.

The FOI measure shall allow every Filipino citizen to request and be granted access to any record or information that is under the control of the government, subject to reasonable exceptions.

The Senate version is a consolidation of 12 bills, including the indirect petition of the advocacy group Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition. (PNA)
PDS/JFM

Zambo. Norte to purchase new heavy equipment

BY: MARY MAE ABELLON

DIPOLOG CITY, March 3 (PIA) – The provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte will purchase 25 new heavy equipment to be used in the implementation and construction of infrastructure projects in the province.

The provincial board has recently approved the allocation of P61,305,000 from the P91,305,000 appropriation under the 2014 GeneraL Supplemental Budget No. 1 for the acquisition of said the heavy equipment consisting of 3 bulldozers, 5 six-wheeler dump trucks, 3 back hoes, 1 telescopic crane, 4 road rollers, 1 loader truck, 1 tanker, 4 graders and 3 payloaders.

These will be distributed to the province’s three districts for speedy implementation and completion of all infrastructure projects lined up by the provincial government. 

Vice Governor Senen O. Angeles also vouched for the need to procure brand new and high-quality equipment saying, “our existing equipment are old and some are dilapidated and worn-out.”

“The existing heavy equipment are not sufficient since some of these are undergoing repair while the new equipment purchased by the past administration are not serviceable. So, we need additional fleet for each district,” he added.

In a related development, the provincial government is set to give Dipolog City P30-million as financial assistance out of the supplemental budget which comes from the 2013 un-appropriated balance. This will be used in the implementation of the city’s infrastructure projects.

“For ten years, the city has not received anything from the provincial government. Hence, it is high time for the city to receive such an assistance from the provincial government,” Board Member Romulo Soliva said. (FPG/MAA/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)

NAPOCOR: All power plants operate normally on Feb. 20

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 2 (PNA) -- Ten days after an island wide blackout plunged Mindanao into darkness on Feb. 20, energy officials have yet to ascertain the cause of the power outage.

The mysterious blackout which the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the power distributor, described as “unknown transmission disturbance” has generated a number of speculations too.

The blackout lasted over five hours until electricity restored about 9:30 o’clock in the morning on Feb. 20, 2014.

Officials of the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) in Iligan City, said that the origin of the power failure that caused a blackout in Mindanao about 3:30 on Feb. 20, 2014 could not be positively traced.

However, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla told the press that one of the power plants maintained by the NAPOCOR, especially the Agus 1 in Lanao del Norte, that provides power for one of the major power grids in Mindanao stopped operations.

NAPOCOR officials belied Petilla’s report saying that all the power plants in Lanao del Norte, including Agus 1, were operating normally at the time of the reported blackout in Mindanao.

NAPOCOR spokesman Romero Pacilan said that there was “low voltage” on the transmission of the electricity which they could not determine.

Pacilan said that the transmission of the power from NAPOCOR was normal at that time. “However, the NGCP grid could not take in the energy at that time because of “low voltage,” Pacilan added.

After the five hour blackout, the NGCP said that power transmission has been restored in Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, General Santos City, Zamboanga City, Pagadian City and some municipal towns in Mindanao.(PNA)
CTB/CD/PJN

Zambo mayor pursues dialogues on recovery, reconstruction

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Mar. 3 (PNA) -- Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has aggressively pursued dialogues with various groups apart from carrying out other plans and programs aimed of making internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the general public aware about ongoing recovery and rehabilitation efforts in this city.

Salazar mayor recently met with the Al Muhminat Group, an aggrupation of Muslim women who are housewives, professionals or engaged in business, to discuss about the current plight of the IDPs in evacuation centers and transitory sites.

Salazar together with the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R) team and other cluster heads and representatives from various agencies discussed with the group about progress in the implementation of the rehabilitation plan and efforts or interventions undertaken by the local government in cooperation with the national government to clear evacuation centers.

The mayor’s team included Councilor Myra Paz Abubakar, City Administrator Antonio Orendain, Jr., Social Welfare Regional Director Zenaida Arevalo, City Planning and Development Officer Rodrigo Sicat, City Health Officer Rodel Agbulos, Recovery Cluster head Dr. Jane Bascar, Assistant City Social Welfare Officer Leonida Bayan, Dr. Kibtiya Udding of CHO, Executive Assistant 5 Mike Saavedra, OCHA Representative Malou Eudela and several others.

The Al Muhminat Group, represented by Tajmahal Aiyub as spokesman, sought clarification on IDP movement and status of the Z3R plan citing inconveniences and other difficulties encountered at evacuation centers.

The group said IDPs confided to them about problems and uncertainties they are facing at evacuation centers.

Salazar said the Z3R team and the national inter-agency team are judiciously following all required steps in the preparation and ultimately implementation of the rehabilitation plan to ensure that everything is in order.

The construction of the drainage systems, road systems and the shelters can only be done once the lots or properties where these facilities or structures will be built are cleared of all legal impediments, she stressed.

“We need your support and we need your help. Kung meron kayong alam na mga available lots puedeng ibenta please tell us,” the mayor said referring to required lots for bunkhouses or temporary shelters where IDPs can transfer while durable solutions are being undertaken.

These lots should also be free from legal problems and that they pass the requirements on environmental protection and preservation and other existing laws, rules and regulations.

On the other hand, Sicat and Agbulos, respectively briefed the group about technical updates on the Z3R plan and the interventions of the government to help improve health conditions in evacuation centers and transitory sites.

“We all agree that decongestion of evacuation centers is the number one solution to health problems encountered in evacuation centers,” Agbulos said as he clarified issues concerning deaths among IDPs.

“The number is cumulative from September 10 to February, it is not that the deaths occur in single day,” Agbulos said.

Agbulos likewise urged the Al Muhminat Group to help the government convince the IDPs to transfer to transitory sites where the condition would be safer and more convenient.

He also appealed to the women to help convince IDPs to regularly seek medical attention in 

health facilities available near evacuation centers for early and timely management.

As this developed, the women’s group said they were clarified with the explanations presentations by Salazar and the Z3R team and vowed to help spread the information to avoid confusion among the IDPs.

Meanwhile, Salazar has vowed to continue dialogues with all other groups to aid IDPs and all other sectors come up with informed decisions and position pertaining to IDPs in this city. (PNA)
JBP/TPGJR/PR/JSD

Energy agencies address Mindanao power situation

Department of Energy
(28 Feb 2014, 8:42PM)

Press release 

(Taguig City) The Department of Energy (DOE), together with the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR), National Transmission Corporation (TransCo), and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines(NGCP), is closely monitoring the power situation in Mindanao as the investigation on the root cause of the system-wide shutdown is underway.

In an earlier meeting with the concerned energy agencies, NGCP reported that the Mindanao system demand stood at 785 MW, and the supply is 853 MW accounting to 93 MW reserve when the incident occurred at around 3:52:00 AM of 27 February 2014. Initial reports indicate that the tripping emanated from the breaker of the Agus 1 switchyard. The breaker or the switchyard of the power plants is the facility that links the power plant to the transmission network.

The following were the plants that tripped (in chronological order) that led to the system collapse: Agus 1 Unit 2, Unit 1;Agus 2 Unit2, Unit3, Unit1; Agus 7 Unit 2; Mt. Apo Geothermal; Pulangi Units 1 &2; Agus 7 Unit 1; Agus 4 Units 1,2&3; SPPC; Agus 5 Unit 1, Unit 2; Agus 6 Unit 6; STEAG. These plants have a total capacity of 677.2 MW.

Currently, the DOE and TransCo are gathering all the facts to validate the reports from NGCP, NPC and IPPs. NGCP and NPC were tasked to reconcile their data and provide their respective loggers, which contain the recorded sequence of events. NGCP and NPC shall be conducting technical evaluations of condition of the switchyard and the power plants, of which Transco is tasked to interpret the results.

Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla said “while we are concerned to determine the root cause, what we immediately did is to bring back power first,” adding that “thorough technical investigation is being undertaken to determine the root cause of the blackout and be able to take immediate actions to prevent similar incident in the future.”

Since the 210 MW STEAG is still undertaking assessment of their facilities, there will be 2 to 3 hours of rotating brownouts in certain franchise areas during peak hours (6-9 PM), depending on the supply management of the Distribution Utilities (e.g. electric cooperatives). The plant operator is still undergoing further technical inspections to pinpoint the effect of the system failure on the plant’s integrity.
Earlier, the NGCP reported that the Mindanao grid has been fully re-energized, as of 12:18 PM of 27 February 2014.

The DOE also notes the continuous power restoration efforts for Typhoon Pablo affected areas in Davao Oriental targeted to be completed on 10 April 2014. As reported by the National Electrification Administration, there are still 25 barangays in Baganga, Boston, Cateel, and Caraga that are yet to be energized.

The DOE, along with concerned energy agencies, reiterates its commitment to strengthen coordination, monitoring, and even upgrading of the power systems, not only in Mindanao but also of the entire country as well as to avoid such incident from happening again. ###