NGCP to work round-the-clock to restore fire-hit transmission tower

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines on Friday said it will work round-the-clock to speed up the rehabilitation of its Alabang, Muntinlupa City transmission tower that partly collapsed as fire engulfed it last Wednesday, Unang Balita" reported. 

NGCP personnel on Friday morning began raising straight up the tilting tower, GMA News' Marisol Abdurahman told Unang Balita.

In a separate statement posted Thursday on its Facebook account, the NGCP said it has deployed a larger crane for the repair of Tower 34 of its Biñan-Muntinlupa line.

"NGCP brought in a second, larger crane that can carry the tower’s total weight of about 32 tons. We will be working 24/7 and exerting all efforts to expedite its restoration." 

On Wednesday, the tower listed with its whole 32-ton weight threatening to collapse on the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) as a raging fire engulfed an illegal-settlement area around its foundations near the SLEX Alabang northbound exit. 

NGCP earlier suspected that the disgruntled informal settlers, who have been in the area since 1985 had intentionally torched the tower, which it said may take at least three days to restore. 

Meanwhile, the north and southbound exits of Alabang toll plaza remained closed to motorists.

On the other hand, local government has been extending assistance to the NGCP in order to speed up the repair work.

NGCP also assured its customers that they are in close coordination with the Manila Toll Expressway System and local traffic management offices "to minimize commuter inconvenience and ensure public safety during the course of the repair." —Marlly Rome Bondoc/LBG, GMA News