Groups mobilize against red and yellow alert, soaring power rates and Agus-Pulangi privatization
Iligan City, Philippines — Fed up with compounding energy crises in Mindanao, a broad coalition of civil society groups, youth organizations, and community sectors launched a street march and noise barrage on Oct. 12, 2026, from the Iligan Cathedral to the Post Office to demand immediate relief from escalating electricity costs and privatization threats.
The mobilization was jointly led by the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), Youth for Climate Justice (Y4CJ), Sanlakas, Oriang, Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC), Gitib, and BDEV Child Protection, Inc. A diverse lineup of participating organizations, including Badecallas, Akbayan Youth, ICPC, THINK Kauswagan, Tagi-ibo Fisherfolk, PMCJ Western Mindanao, PMCJ Misamis Oriental- Cagayan de Oro, LAHRA, and Mindanao Power Consumers Federation (MINPOCOF), joined the march to show unified resistance.
The coordinated street action directly targeted unjust electricity rate increases and persistent coal-plant power outages. The group demanded accountability from the Marcos Jr. government, through the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which they suspect of colluding with coal oligarchs, causing the power interruptions plaguing local consumers. Protesters also strongly condemned the proposed privatization of the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complex, a critical public asset providing Mindanao with essential renewable energy.
Through collective chants and a loud noise barrage, the multi-sectoral movement amplified the public's urgent demands for:
DOE and ERC to be held responsible for the power crisis happening now in Mindanao.
Affordable and reliable electricity for all consumers.
Strict public ownership and control of crucial power infrastructures like the Agus-Pulangi complex to shield residents from corporate price spikes.
Full accountability from both private power corporations and regulatory government agencies regarding systemic service failures and rising utility burdens.
An immediate, thorough investigation into the root causes of Mindanao's energy crisis to identify and hold responsible parties accountable.
Coalition leaders emphasized that the DOE and the ERC must be held directly accountable for their glaring inaction in addressing Mindanao's power woes. By disregarding their regulatory responsibilities, these agencies have forced ordinary consumers to shoulder the heavy financial burden of soaring electricity costs. Furthermore, the coalition declared that private coal plants must be held accountable for repeatedly reaping massive profits despite frequent, disruptive outages.
"The energy crisis hitting our communities and Mindanao as a whole is a direct result of placing public utilities into private hands," said Tresito Fiel, PMCJ Iligan-Lanao del Norte team leader. "Mindanao’s consumers cannot continue to bear the weight of corporate greed and rolling blackouts. We stand united today to demand accessible, reliable, and publicly accountable energy services," Fiel added.
The coalition vows to intensify its campaign and continue localized mass actions until the government and energy providers implement transparent reforms that prioritize people over profit. ###
Background
This mobilization was part of a series of protest actions exposing the conspiracy among government agencies, the ERC and DOE, tasked by law to protect consumers' rights and welfare, and the electricity oligarchs who tolerate outages beyond their allowable limits.
A week ago, the group staged a protest against the power rate increase and the privatization of the Agus Pulang-NPC Hydro Electric Complex.
For inquiries, contact:
Pat Pangantihon
Mindanao Policy and Communications Officer
Philippine Movement for Climate Justice
Mobile: +63 969 362 8588
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