(UPDATE) NGCP no explanation yet on Easter Sunday massive blackout in Mindanao

COTABATO CITY - A six hour and thirty minute power outrage hit several areas in Mindanao on Easter Sunday but the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) today said it is still determining the cause and extent of interruption.In its 4 p.m.statement, the NGCP is still investigating the cause of the power outage that sent practically all of Mindanao except Basilan and Siargao islands because these areas use generators.All transmission substations and plants connected to theNGCP have been synchronized as early as 7:30 a.m., said NGCPspokesperson Cynthia Alabanza. She did not give the cause of the blackout as the power distributor is still investigating.Power snapped off suddenly at about 1 a.m. and restored at 6:30 a.m. in Cotabato City and nearby areas.It affected Davao City, Cotabato City, Cagayan de Oro City, Zamboanga City, Gen. Santos, Tacurong, Koroandal, Kidapawan, Digos, Valencia, Malaybalay, Pagadian and Zamboanga.Earlier, Bambie Capulong, NGCP spokesperson for Mindanao, said at 4:12 a.m. NGCP is yet to determine the cause of the island-wide interruption.Calls and messages to Capulong remained unanswered.But initial reports said the power failure was due to the tripping of NGCP's 138-kilovolt Kibawe line in Bukidnon. NGCP is working to restore power transmission services to affected customers in Mindanao. We are still deterining the cause and extent of problem, Capulong told and//www.ndbcnews.com.ph www.ndbcnews.com.ph . We will issue another advisory once other details are certain, she added.Mindanao has experienced similar island-wide power outage last year when power generators of STEAG power company in Misamis Oriental suddenly shut down.