The Davao Light and Power Company (Davao Light) has taken over the operations of the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) as the power distributor in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

Davao Light assumed operations after implementing the writ of possession issued by a court in Panabo City for the power distribution system in the island.

The court sheriff led the implementation along with officials and personnel of Davao Light, who installed public notices informing residents about the execution of the writ.

“Maglalgay kami ngayon ng tarpaulin in accordance sa instruction ni sheriff…execution ng writ,” Davao Light Engineering Manager, Engr. Jerome Ryan Deleonio, said.

Under the writ, Davao Light has been authorized to manage the island’s power distribution system, including electing poles, power lines, and other assets of NORDECO.

The takeover is in line with Republic Act 12144, which allows the expansion of Davao Light’s franchise to areas in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.

As part of the legal process, power from the generation utility in Mambago-A that supplies electricity to NORDECO has been shut down temporarily by Davao Light linemen.

Davao Light spokesperson Fermin Edillon said the company already has a contract with the generation utility, which will supply electricity to Davao Light while it is still installing its submarine cable.

“Suportahan gyud namo ang Davao Light nga mailisan gyud ang Nordeco mao na dako kaayo among kalipay karong adlawa nga natuman ang among pangandoy,” Samal Mayor Toto Reyes said.

Reyes said poor and unreliable electricity service had discouraged potential investors in the past, and the entry of Davao Light is expected to improve the situation and attract new investments.

“Daghan kaayong investors nga gusto musulod sa Samal ang problema ang pangutana kumusta ang kuryente wala koy laing tubag kon dili di gyud maayo. So karon nga Davao Light na pag naay musulod investors, makaingon gyud ko nga pwede na panulod namo kay Davao Light na ang provider,” Reyes added.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has also dismissed the petition for certiorari filed by NORDECO against RA 12144.

In a statement, NORDECO said it would continue serving its franchise areas, citing that its franchise remains valid until 2028 in the mainland and until 2033 in Samal.

Residents and business establishments in Samal have long complained about frequent power interruptions under NORDECO’s service.