Energy chief convenes IATFSEF to secure power facilities in Mindanao

MANILA— Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi on Wednesday assured the public that his department is on top of the power situation in Marawi City and the Mindanao region.

“I have convened the Inter-Agency Task Force on Securing Energy Facilities (IATFSEF) and have written a letter of request to the Secretary of National Defense to help us secure energy facilities — power plants, transmission tower, distribution facilities, oil depots and other power facilities in Mindanao and other vulnerable areas nationwide,” Cusi said in a statement sent to reporters.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday night declared the entire Mindanao island under martial law following clashes between government troops and members of the Maute Group in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

The violence began Tuesday afternoon after the military conducted operations to flush out Isnilon Hapilon, a top terrorist suspect, from his hideout in Marawi City.

Several facilities had been torched by the terror group, including St. Mary’s Church, the city jail, the Ninoy Aquino School, and Dansalan College.