Isabela City, Basilan – October 6, 2025 — In response to the worsening power supply problem in Basilan, top officials from the Department of Energy (DOE), National Power Corporation (Napocor), and National Electrification Administration (NEA) met with Governor Mujiv Hataman and local leaders today to map out immediate solutions for the Basilan Electric Cooperative (Baselco).
During the first-ever Basilan Energy Forum held at the 101st Infantry Brigade headquarters in Isabela City, DOE Secretary Sharon Garin, Napocor President Jericho Nograles, and NEA Administrator Antonio Almeda announced a ₱200-million subsidy to jumpstart the rehabilitation of the province’s damaged power distribution lines.
Officials said the total funding requirement to fully restore Baselco’s power system is estimated at ₱800 million, with government agencies still exploring potential sources for the remaining ₱600 million. The initial ₱200 million will be allocated for the rehabilitation of Baselco’s sub-transmission backbone lines.
Currently, Baselco is saddled with an outstanding debt of ₱4.3 billion to Napocor, which has long hampered the cooperative’s operations and service delivery.
Among those present at the forum were mayors from several Basilan municipalities, including Maluso Mayor Kaiser Hataman, Tabuan Lasa Mayor Moner Manisan, Lantawan Mayor Nasser Abubakar, Ungkaya Pukan Mayor Jomar Maturan, Tipo-Tipo Mayor Ingatun Istarul, Mohammad Adjul Mayor Talib Pawaki, and Tuburan Mayor Durrie Kallahal. Isabela City Vice Mayor Nims Ajibon also attended, representing Mayor Dadah Turabin-Hataman.
In his remarks, Gov. Hataman expressed gratitude to DOE, Napocor, and NEA for their timely intervention, noting that Basilan’s long-standing security issues have been replaced by a new crisis — electricity.
“We’ve worked hard with our LGUs and security forces to address peace and order problems. Before, our problem was the Abu Sayyaf; now, if you ask anyone in Basilan, the answer is electricity,” said Hataman.
“That’s why your visit is very timely. When it comes to energy, you three are the ones who can help us,” he added, addressing Garin, Nograles, and Almeda.
Secretary Garin emphasized that the weak power supply directly hinders economic growth and development in the province. Meanwhile, Nograles and Almeda pointed out that a major issue lies in Baselco’s lack of electric meters—with only 45,000 out of over 145,000 households having operational meters—resulting in high system loss and rampant power pilferage.
Gov. Hataman assured full cooperation from the provincial government to speed up rehabilitation efforts. He underscored that unity among national agencies and local government units is vital to restore public trust in Basilan’s power services.
“The collaboration between our LGUs and national agencies is key to rebuilding our people’s confidence in the power system,” Hataman said.
The Basilan Energy Forum marks the beginning of a coordinated effort to stabilize the island’s electricity supply and lay the groundwork for long-term energy sustainability in the province.