Lanao Sur electric complex secured, 95% of power in Marawi restored

The Lanao del Sur Electirc Cooperative compound has been secured by government forces  as they continue to clash with members of the Maute terrorist group in the province's capital Marawi City, a Malacañang official said Saturday.

"The government, through its Inter-Agency Task Force on Securing Energy Facilities (IATFSEF), has secured the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative (LASURECO) compound," Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

IATFSEF is composed of the Department of Energy, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and other industry players.

Abella also noted that the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and LASURECO have reported that 95 percent of electricity service has been restored in Marawi City.

"This development should allay fears stirred by alarmist and untrue reports of LASURECO coming under attack. Given the gravity of the situation in Marawi City, we urge the public to remain calm and not to spread unverified or incomplete news items, even as we urge media practitioners not to report such items that can easily be misinterpreted or sensationalized," the Palace official said.

In a separate statement, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi noted that the IATFSEF had been organized to prevent terrorists from targeting energy facilities and to help restore the province's power supply as soon as possible.

According to NEA, the remaining non-operational assets are scheduled to be restored as well.

NEA is also monitoring and awaiting ground data for re-energization of affected towns in the 2nd District of Lanao del Sur, including Wato, Tugaya, Bacolod Kalawi, Madamba, Madalum, Ganasi, Pualas, and Pagayawan.

"I commend the energy personnel on the ground who have been ensuring the delivery of basic energy services to our people, especially in Marawi City," Cusi said. —John Ted Cordero/LBG, GMA News