The Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) has denied allegations that sabotage was behind recent power interruptions in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), responding to remarks made by Mayor Lemuel Reyes.

In a press statement, the electric cooperative said it categorically denies any act intended to disrupt the delivery of electricity in the island city.

NORDECO said the accusation stemmed from a recent Facebook comment by the mayor insinuating sabotage behind the outages.

“NORDECO categorically denies any act intended to disrupt the delivery of electricity in the island,” the cooperative said, describing the accusation as “baseless, irresponsible, and unbecoming of public leadership, especially when made without any evidence.”

The dispute comes amid ongoing developments surrounding the electricity service in Samal, where power distribution responsibilities have been shifting between utilities.

The situation involves Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC), which now carries responsibility for the island’s electric service, according to the statement.

NORDECO said it has continued to uphold its commitment to serve its member-consumer-owners (MCOs) and has expressed willingness to help address the power situation in Samal.

However, the cooperative claimed its efforts have been ignored.

The statement also alleged that in one instance, armed personnel of Davao Light and Power Company blocked the entry of NORDECO’s repair team responding to an outage report.

According to NORDECO, the repair team was later faced with a police blotter following the incident.

“The truth remains that the current power situation in Samal is a direct result of the actions and operational realities of Davao Light and Power Company,” the cooperative said.

NORDECO said accusations of sabotage only divert attention from the real issues affecting electricity service in the island city.

“At a time when the people of Samal deserve transparency and solutions, unfounded accusations only divert attention from the real issues,” the cooperative concluded.

Despite the dispute, NORDECO said it remains committed to cooperating in any genuine effort to ensure stable and reliable power supply for residents of Samal.

What steps should be taken to address the ongoing power supply issues affecting residents of Samal?

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