Militants attack Philippine power station

0 Comments | Asian Political News, March 3, 2003

MANILA, Feb. 27 Kyodo

Militants, allegedly Muslims, bombed a vital power station of the state-run National Power Corp. (Napocor) in the southern Philippines, causing a complete blackout in most of Mindanao Island for several hours after midnight Wednesday, officials said Thursday.

Armed Forces Southern Command spokesman Lt. Col. Daniel Lucero said they suspect the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) sabotaged the Napocor transmission line in Lanao del Norte Province after the military captured a major rebel camp in central Mindanao two weeks ago.

But the MILF has denied responsibility for the downing of the Napocor towers.

Three 81-millimeter mortar rounds slammed the Agus-5 Sub-Station in Balo-i town in Lanao del Norte, the military said, damaging the power plant.

The attack followed a string of hostilities allegedly initiated by the MILF after its leaders reportedly ordered a full offensive against government forces.

Nine people, including a civilian, have reportedly been killed in the offensive.

Lucero said nine transmission towers have been destroyed by rebels so far.

Napocor said it has restored as much as 90% of electricity in the island and expects full-capacity power transmission before noon Thursday.

The MILF is the largest separatist group in the Philippines, which has been waging an armed struggle since 1977. It has yet to seal a final peace agreement with the government to end hostilities.