NGCP seeks police probe on transmission line sabotage

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MANILA, Philippines — The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) has requested the assistance of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in investigating a possible act of sabotage involving the Ilijan-Tayabas 500-kiloVolt transmission line.

In a letter dated May 15, 2026 addressed to PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and Batangas City police chief Lt. Col. Lira Morello, NGCP reported that the Ilijan-Tayabas line tripped at approximately 6:30 a.m. on May 13 after the conductor between Towers 129 and 130 in Barangay Haligue Silangan, Batangas City got severed.

The transmission disturbance resulted in the loss of around 1,700 MW of power delivered from generating plants connected to the line. The incident further aggravated the already thin generation reserves in Luzon and the Visayas, which eventually led to the declaration of red and yellow alerts in both grids.

Findings by NGCP inspectors showed the damage appeared inconsistent with normal wear and tear or natural causes. The severance reportedly occurred within the
conductor span between spacers and exhibited characteristics suggestive of deliberate human intervention. Prior inspections on the line also showed no defect or abnormality that could have caused such damage.

“Given the circumstances surrounding the incident, NGCP deemed it necessary to seek law enforcement assistance to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation. Protecting the integrity and security of the country’s transmission network remains critical to maintaining reliable power delivery nationwide,” the company said.