The Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Panabo City has ordered the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative Inc. (Nordeco) to immediately cease all electric distribution operations in the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos), affirming Davao Light and Power Company as the sole utility authorized to provide services in the area. The June 25 order, cited by Davao Light in a public advisory, directs Nordeco to stop billing, collections, meter reading, disconnections, reconnections, maintenance, and repair works throughout Igacos.
Court Recognizes Davao Light's Control of Assets
According to Davao Light, the court recognized that the distribution system assets in Igacos are already under its possession and control, making it responsible for continuous electricity delivery and customer services. "Following this order of the Court, customers should no longer expect billing, collections, disconnections, or other electric service operations from Nordeco," Davao Light stated. The order also requires Nordeco to cease responding to service requests, refrain from interfering with Davao Light's operations, and turn over necessary records for uninterrupted service.
Davao Light advised consumers in Samal to transact exclusively with the company for electricity bills, payments, new connections, maintenance, outages, and other customer service transactions. It also urged residents to report any violations of the court directive by Nordeco. "Customers in Igacos should therefore coordinate directly with Davao Light regarding bills, payments, service requests, outages, maintenance concerns, and other electricity-related matters," the company said.
Nordeco Alleges Disruption of Electrification Project
The advisory came after Nordeco issued a press statement on June 30 claiming that Davao Light personnel halted the implementation of the National Government's Sitio Electrification Program (SEP) in Purok 9 Kauswagan, Barangay Limbaan, New Corella, Davao del Norte. The SEP, funded by the national government, aims to bring electricity to underserved communities. Nordeco said the project would energize approximately 180 households, including those in Purok 8A Vega and Purok 8B Crossing Ladeca.
Demetrio L. Jagunos, Area III Services Department Manager of Nordeco, stated, "Ang maong proyekto sa SEP sa National Government maghatag og elektrisidad sa gibana-bana nga 180 ka mga panimalay sa maong Purok lakip na ang Purok 8A Vega ug Purok 8B, Crossing Ladeca." Nordeco alleged that individuals identifying themselves as Davao Light personnel ordered workers to stop installing facilities, and the contractor later reported that workers were taken to a police station. The project has a contract cost of P8.29 million and was scheduled to be energized next month. Nordeco described the interruption as detrimental but affirmed its intent to proceed with the project.
Ongoing Legal Dispute
The incident is the latest in a long-running dispute between Davao Light and Nordeco over electric distribution in parts of Davao del Norte. The conflict stems from the expansion of Davao Light's franchise under Republic Act No. 11515, which transferred distribution in Igacos and several municipalities from Nordeco to Davao Light. Both utilities have been engaged in legal proceedings over asset transfer, operational control, and project implementation. As of press time, Davao Light had not issued a statement specifically addressing Nordeco's allegation about the SEP halt, focusing instead on the RTC order affirming its responsibility in Igacos.
