Improvised bombs topple NGCP tower 26 in Pikit

PIKIT, North Cotabato - Unidentified men set off three powerful improvised bombs in one of the steel transmission towers of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) here Tuesday night, authorities said.The blast toppled the tower, sending part of North Cotabato, Maguindanao and Cotabato City without electricity for more than two hours.Capt. Joanne Petinglay, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said the toppled tower was in Barangay Gilakit, Pikit and was bombed at about 9 p.m.It cut off power transmission from Bukidnon to Simuay in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. Power was restored at about 12 midnight after the NGCP sourced out power from the Tacurong sub station.No one has claimed responsibility but local police and military authorities saw the signatures of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.The IED series attached to three of the four feet of steel tower simultaneously went off, creating shockwaves among residents nearby. It was detonated using mobile phone, the Army's 7th Infantry Battalion said.NGCP personnel are now trying to repair the toppled transmission tower.