Basilan Power Shutdown Halted After Intervention
ZAMBOANGA CITY – A planned power outage in Basilan province was stopped after a timely intervention. The National Power Corp. (Napocor) had scheduled a power disconnection on June 16 due to unpaid bills from the Basilan Electric Cooperative (Baselco). This massive power interruption, however, did not push through thanks to the efforts of Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman.
Rep. Hataman asked Napocor to hold the order in abeyance, explaining on social media, “Kausap na po natin ang pinaka-head ng NEA at nakausap na nila Baselco, kakadeposit daw ng payment. Aayusin natin po with Napocor at Baselco ang problema na ito, Inshallah (If Allah wills).” His prompt action bought time to resolve the dispute.
Background on the Power Disconnection Order
On June 11, Napocor’s President and CEO Fernando Martin Roxas sent a letter to Rene B. Barruela, Vice President of Napocor’s Small Power Utilities Group. The letter requested the Western Mindanao Operations Division to disconnect Baselco’s electricity at noon on June 16. This was due to Baselco’s failure to pay a balance of P49,378,790.90, representing its power bill from March 26 to April 25, 2025, which was due on May 25.
Hataman’s intervention is now expected to lead to a meeting involving all concerned agencies to find a lasting solution to the ongoing power issues in Basilan.
Recurring Power Woes in Basilan
This is not the first time Basilan has struggled with power problems. In 2023, Rep. Hataman led a congressional inquiry into Baselco’s inability to prevent widespread outages across the island province. He filed House Resolution 1157, directing the House Committee on Legislative Franchise to investigate the frequent power interruptions.
Reports from local leaders and authorities revealed that Baselco’s outstanding debt had reached P3.6 billion during the initial probe. Baselco explained that the outages were caused by the shutdown of power generators operated by Napocor and the private firm Aggreko due to overload conditions.
The persistent power difficulties have significantly affected Basilan’s residents and economy, prompting calls for urgent action from government and power agencies alike.
For more news and updates on Basilan power shutdown, visit Filipinokami.com.