The Department of Energy (DOE) is investigating the cause of the fire at Unit 3 of the Pagbilao coal plant in Ibabang Polo, Pagbilao, Quezon, around 9 p.m. Oct. 31, which resulted in one fatality and injuries to nine plant personnel.
The 420-megawatt (MW) coal plant is currently shut down “pending full investigation and assessment of the accident,” said DOE Undersecretary Mario Marasigan.
Before the incident, Pagbilao Unit 3 was operating at 131 MW and subsequently tripped at 9:32 p.m.
“We are working on all issues related to this accident, including assessment of possible grid and market impacts,” he said.
Initial reports showed that while Pagbilao Unit 3, operated by Aboitiz Power Corp., remains on forced outage, no congestion or abnormal prices were monitored at the spot market during the incident period, and normal market operations are currently being implemented.
Power demand in Luzon was between 8,000 MW and 8,500 MW compared to an available supply of 12,000 MW. As a result, the Pagbilao fire did not have a significant impact on spot market prices, which remain at less than P2 per kilowatthour (kWh).
Meanwhile, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin offered condolences to the family of the plant fatality and expressed hope for the full and swift recovery of the nine injured personnel.
Garin said three of the affected personnel were from Therma Luzon Inc. (TLI) and seven were from contractors.
She said the injured were immediately brought to the nearest medical facility and are now in stable condition. Alena Mae S. Flores
“Their treatment is being closely monitored, with arrangements in place for transfer to specialized hospitals in Metro Manila should advanced care be necessary,” she said.
Garin has urged Pagbilao Energy Corp. (PEC) to attend to the needs of all those hospitalized, ensuring they receive comprehensive medical attention, proper care and full support.
“We commend PEC for its prompt response and immediate mobilization of resources following the incident, and we expect it to continue working closely with attending medical teams, local authorities and the families of the injured and the deceased to guarantee that all medical, logistical and financial requirements are fully addressed,” she said.
Garin said the DOE will continue to coordinate with PEC and other concerned agencies to ensure proper assistance is provided and that a thorough investigation proceeds.
“The DOE also commits to assisting, where appropriate, in the recovery efforts for both the affected personnel and the power plant, ensuring that necessary support mechanisms are in place as operations move toward rehabilitation, while upholding the welfare of all workers involved,” she said.
PEC, for its part, said it continues to prioritize the treatment and care of individuals affected by the fire incident, assuring it will also fully cooperate with the relevant government agencies.
As of 9 a.m. Nov. 2, 2025, seven of the injured personnel are in stable condition, while two have successfully undergone surgeries and are under close monitoring, PEC said.
“PEC also reaffirms its dedication to the safety and well-being of all of our people on-site. We thank everyone for their compassion and support as we move through this difficult period together.”
