P100,000 reward money for perpetuators of Ilocos Norte power tower bombing

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

LAOAG CITY—At least P100,000 awaits the witness/es who could lead to the immediate resolution of the February 18 bombing of two power towers in the mountainous barangay of Tadao in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte.

According to June Arvin C. Gudoy, head of the Communication and Media Office, Ilocos Norte Governor Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos is urging all concerned individuals who has any information to come out in the open and help authorities in the investigation.

“The circumstances around the incident in Pasuquin is highly suspicious and controverted.  We are looking at all possible angles and we have not arrived at a conclusion.  However, the provincial government is offering 100,000 for information which might lead to the resolution of the incident,” Ms. Marcos said in a text message.

Police Supt. Leland Benigno, deputy for operations of the Ilocos Norte Provincial Police Office said that as of the moment, investigators have yet to come up with any leads.

 “Based on initial investigation, perpetuators used improvised explosive devise locally known as dynamite, which caused the power towers to collapse. Whoever did it probably [was] trained well. But as of the moment, we can’t identify yet who planned and executed this sabotage,” said Mr. Benigno.

He added the police is exploring all angles such as insurgency, personal issues or politics behind the incident.

On the evening of February 18, nearby residents and those from neighboring Burgos town heard of an unusual sound and sudden shaking of the earth until Barangay Ranger Officers assigned near the area confirmed on Friday morning, February 19, that two of the towers of the Ayala-controlled North Luzon Renewable Energy Corp. had been toppled.

As of press time, no one has claimed responsibility for the incident.

While the 81-megawatt Caparispisan wind power farm of NLREC in Pagudpud town has been cut off from the Luzon grid due to toppled tower, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines clarified the affected tower is not among those operated and maintained by NGCP.

But as part of the precautionary measures, Lilibeth Gaydowen, North Luzon Communications and Public Affairs officer of NGCP said they are in constant coordination with the PNP and AFP since the NGCP tower bombings in Mindanao.

“We remain in coordination with the PNP and AFP. We also appeal with local government units especially community leaders to report any suspicious activities to abate possible threat or bombing,” she added mentioning the security hotline of NGCP is 0917 879 1813.