NEA mobilizes task force to restore power in quake-hit Mindanao

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur, Philippines — The National Electrification Administration (NEA) has reactivated Task Force Kapatid (TFK) and deployed linemen to restore electricity to some 803,230 consumer connections affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that shook Sarangani and surrounding provinces in Southern Mindanao.

NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda convened an emergency meeting with member electric cooperatives under the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (AMRECO) to coordinate immediate response efforts, mobilize additional equipment, and fast-track restoration plans — especially for critical facilities like hospitals.

A command center has been established at South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SOCOTECO II) in Barangay Apopong, General Santos City, serving as the central hub for ongoing power restoration operations.

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READ: Mindanao quake: Power restoration ongoing, says energy department

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According to the NEA Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (DRRMD), three cooperatives — SOCOTECO II, Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SUKELCO), and South Cotabato I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SOCOTECO I) — are currently under total power interruption. On the other hand, Northern Davao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NORDECO) reports partial outages.

Meanwhile, 16 other electric cooperatives continue operations, keeping 269 of 308 affected municipalities energized.

Linemen and technical teams from the Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative (ASELCO) and NORDECO have already been dispatched to assist quake-hit areas, reinforcing local crews under TFK’s coordinated response framework.

Task Force Kapatid is NEA’s emergency mutual-aid program, allowing electric cooperatives from unaffected regions to provide manpower, equipment, and technical assistance to counterparts struck by disasters.

NEA emphasized that restoration efforts are underway with urgency, prioritizing safety while working to bring power back to the hardest-hit areas as quickly as possible./coa /atm

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HELP MINDANAO EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

The Inquirer Foundation is calling for support for communities devastated by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao.

In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, the foundation is amplifying appeals for food, clean water and other critical assistance for affected families.

Donors may send contributions directly to the Philippine Red Cross through its official transfer channels, the complete list is available on the PRC’s Facebook page.

The Philippine Red Cross has activated its emergency fund campaign and deployed teams on the ground to provide medical services, distribute relief goods and extend psychosocial support to affected families.