COTABATO CITY – Suspected rebels blasted a power pylon late Sunday in the southern Philippine province of North Cotabato, the second attack in 5 days in the restive region of Mindanao.
Security officials said Tower 42 situated in the village of Batulawan in Pikit town was toppled down by the powerful blast causing a massive blackout in several areas in the province. Troops from the 7th Infantry Battalion were dispatched to the village to inspect if other towers were rigged with explosives.
The pylon is being operated by the privately-owned National Grid Corporation of the Philippines and has been target of rebel attacks in the past.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the bombing, but security officials suspect the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters may be behind the latest attack, although other smaller groups and extortionists operate in the province.
On January 13, rebels also bombed Tower 26 in the village of Galakit in North Cotabato’s Pagalungan town.
Three improvised explosives assembled from 81mm and 60mm mortars were used in toppling the power pylon that cut off electricity in many areas in the province and neighboring municipalities. The blast affected the 138KV transmission line servicing the area. (Mindanao Examiner)
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