By Nimfa L. Estrellado Fire engulfs a section of the Pagbilao Power Station in Quezon on October 31, 2025. The incident left one worker dead...
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| Fire engulfs a section of the Pagbilao Power Station in Quezon on October 31, 2025. The incident left one worker dead and nine others injured. (AboitizPower) |
PAGBILAO, Quezon — Safety crisis hits power plant, the October 31 fire that struck Unit 3 of the Pagbilao Power Station in Quezon proved fatal, claiming the life of one worker and injuring nine others. In the wake of the incident, the Department of Energy (DOE) and Pagbilao Energy Corporation (PEC) have reaffirmed their commitment to providing full medical and financial assistance to all victims.
To fulfill this commitment, PEC said ten workers were involved, including three Therma Luzon Inc. (TLI) employees and seven contract workers. The company confirmed that all injured personnel received prompt medical care and were transferred to hospitals equipped to handle specialized treatment. It also pledged logistical, financial, and emotional assistance to affected families, including transport support, hospital coordination, and counseling services.
Latest reports show seven of the injured are now in stable condition, while two remain under close medical observation following surgeries. PEC continues to work with local hospitals to ensure the full recovery of all victims and has arranged possible transfers to Metro Manila facilities for specialized care.
Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin extended her condolences to the family of the deceased and called for a comprehensive probe into the incident. She said the DOE expects PEC to maintain close coordination with medical teams, local authorities, and the victims’ families until all their needs are addressed.
Secretary Garin emphasized the DOE’s continuing commitment to both safety and transparency in energy operations. She noted that the department is coordinating with PEC and other concerned agencies to ensure that all assistance mechanisms are in place while an investigation proceeds.
The DOE said the DOE will continue supporting recovery efforts for affected plant personnel, stressing that worker welfare is central to energy operations. The DOE also vowed to review existing safety protocols to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
PEC has temporarily shut down the affected unit for investigation and repairs, while the Pagbilao Power Station’s other units continue to run to help maintain power supply stability across the grid. The company stated that teams are inspecting the site to determine the root cause and extent of the damage.
PEC reaffirmed its dedication to the safety and well-being of all workers at the facility and expressed gratitude for the compassion shown by the public. The company said internal safety reviews and coordination with government authorities are ongoing to strengthen preventive measures across its sites.
It also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified or sensitive information during this period and to respect the privacy of the affected families. PEC said its crisis management team is in regular communication with local officials and partner agencies to ensure that updates are managed.
In an official update, PEC expressed deep sorrow for the loss of Michael Castillo, a member of their Operations team. The company described Castillo as an experienced worker who had been with the Pagbilao Power Station for several years, boosted its operations and safety programs. Colleagues remembered him as a dependable team member whose commitment and professionalism inspired those around him.
PEC confirmed that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) have completed an initial investigation of Unit 3. Both agencies continue to assess the site’s condition, and PEC pledged full cooperation in all ongoing inquiries to ensure transparency and accountability.
On November 5, Quezon communities and advocacy groups voiced strong concern over the fire, urging tighter oversight of coal plants and accountability for the Pagbilao incident. They also called for a shift toward renewable energy solutions that prioritize safety, sustainability, and the well-being of local residents.
The Quezon Environment (QUEEN) network and other advocates warned that the DOE’s latest clarification on moratorium exemptions might open the door to more coal projects in the province, already dubbed the Philippines’ “coal capital.” Advocates said the recent fire underscores the dangers of fossil fuel dependence and called for accelerated renewable energy development.
Rev. Fr. Warren Puno, QUEEN’s convenor, said fossil fuel plants center on corporate profit over public interest, while local communities bear the environmental and health burdens. He urged the government to “uphold ecological justice” and ensure a just energy transition that protects workers and communities alike.
The DOE assured that its investigation will be transparent and that results will guide improvements in safety standards for all power facilities nationwide. PEC, meanwhile, committed to work alongside regulators and community stakeholders to rebuild trust and ensure that lessons from the tragedy strengthen industry-wide safety and sustainability measures.
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