September 7, 2023

DASURECO calls on LGU to aid in enforcing anti-obstruction law

The Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative (DASURECO) calls support from the public and local government in the implementation of the Republic Act 11361, otherwise known as the Anti Obstruction of Power Lines Act. The said law will greatly help prevent power interruptions and other obstructions to power service delivery.

Under the law, the electric cooperatives may seek assistance from the LGU and other relevant government agencies such as AFP and PNP which has territorial jurisdiction over the area concerned in apprehending law violators. Hence, DASURECO, as the sole electric distribution utility in Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental, urges the local government’s enforcement of the law especially those conflict-affected areas where line clearing operation is difficult.

In one of its information drives, DASURECO appealed to the Office of the Sangguniang Bayan of Malita, Davao Occidental during its regular session on August 2, 2023 to support in enforcing the law. With the long stretch of distribution lines in most of our coverage areas especially through the mountainous areas in Davao Occidental, power interruptions become inevitable. 

Under RA 11361, it is illegal to plant trees, construct hazardous improvements, and perform any activity under the power line corridors. Landowners are likewise proscribed to refuse entry of any DASURECO personnel to conduct clearing or disallow cutting/trimming of trees.

Any violation of the said law will result to a penalty of imprisonment from six (6) months to 12 years and/or fine ranging from ₱50,000.00 to ₱200,000.00, at the discretion of the court. ###