Google map of Matanog, Maguindanao.
COTABATO CITY – For non-payment of electric bills that run to several millions of pesos, the Maguindanao Electric Cooperative (Magelco) cut its power supply to the town hall of Matanog in Maguindanao, an official of the local power firm said Tuesday.
Ashary Maungco, Magelco general manager, said the cooperative has no choice but to cut power supply to the town hall after it failed to settle its PHP6.5 million worth of unpaid electric bills.
Maungco said the cooperative had repeatedly reminded the Matanog local government unit to settle its obligation with the cooperative “but that calls fell to deaf ears.”
The power shutdown for the Matanog town hall started Thursday last week and as of posting time, Maungco said.
But Matanog Mayor Mohamad Kits Guro lambasted Magelco for the deliberate and unannounced power shutdown that caused inconvenience to the local government unit and its operations.
“They should have informed us that the lines will be cut,” the visibly-irritated town mayor told reporters here in an interview.
After the power lines were shut down, Guro said he repeatedly tried to reach out to Maungco but failed.
“There was no notice that power will be cut, we are also member-consumers,” Guro said.
When asked why the LGU incurred such huge power bills, Guro said he has ordered an internal investigation, noting that the LGU is ready to settle its bill.
Maungco said his office is open for settlement and power will be restored as soon as all the power bills shall have been settled.
He maintained that similar action will be taken against other Maguindanao LGUs that continue to ignore its obligations with the electric cooperative. (PNA)
