Baguio city: The Benguet Electric Cooperative (Beneco) has suffered infrastructure and fixture damages amounting to PHP9.446 million due to recent weather disturbances. Tropical Cyclones Crising, internationally known as Wipha, caused PHP1.77 million in damage, while Cyclone Emong, also referred to as Co-May, along with the enhanced southwest monsoon, resulted in PHP7.73 million damage.

According to Philippines News Agency, a damage report as of 3 p.m. Friday revealed that Beneco recorded 44 damaged poles valued at PHP2.654 million, 12 damaged transformers worth PHP1.393 million, and 11 protective devices and fuses costing PHP3,679. Laarni Ilagan, the media officer-in-charge at Beneco's community relations office, reported that power has been restored in over 97 percent of its franchise area, which covers Baguio City and Benguet.

"We update our data every three hours to monitor developments and ensure that both government regulatory agencies and consumers are informed about the ongoing actions and restoration efforts," Ilagan stated. She mentioned that power was fully restored in Baguio City by 10 a.m. on Friday, but an unscheduled interruption later reduced the restoration to 99.9 percent. However, power was restored to 100 percent by 3 p.m. after necessary actions were taken.

Ilagan also highlighted the continued efforts of their personnel to normalize electricity supply. She requested public patience as certain areas experience delays in power restoration due to field challenges. Both Baguio City and Benguet encountered numerous landslides, impacting power lines and the electric supply, and hindering the transport of replacement posts and manpower.

The weather disturbances also caused felled trees and broken branches to disrupt power lines, and zero visibility on roads led to delays in restoration efforts. Ilagan assured that Beneco remains on heightened alert to ensure smooth restoration activities while prioritizing the safety of its personnel.