The Davao Consumer Movement (DCM) has strongly criticized the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) following its controversial departure from its main office in Tagum City, warning that the move could put consumers at risk.
In a statement dated March 30, 2026 emailed to Edge Davao, the group condemned what it described as a “messy” and irresponsible exit after the enforcement of a Writ of Possession issued by the Regional Trial Court of Tagum City, Branch 2.
On March 25, 2026, Davao Light and Power Company formally took control of four substations and NORDECO’s main office in Tipaz, Magugpo, Tagum City.
However, DCM mentioned that video evidence showed that NORDECO vacated the premises without turning over critical assets needed for operations.
DCM emphasized that while the cooperative appeared to leave voluntarily, the removal of essential equipment including computers, servers, hard drives, and key documents undermined the transition process.
“While their voluntary exit may appear cooperative, leaving the office empty shows disregard for the court’s orders and, more importantly, for the consumers who rightfully own these assets,” the group said.
The organization stressed that the substations, office building, and operational resources are owned by the consumers, and should have been properly handed over to ensure uninterrupted service.
“By stripping the office of computers, hard drives, servers, and documents, NORDECO acted in direct contravention of the court’s directive,” DCM stated.
“These resources could have accelerated the transition and ensured smoother service delivery,” the group added.
According to DCM, the failure to turn over these assets has delayed operational improvements and compromised the delivery of reliable electricity, which consumers were expecting under Davao Light’s management.
The group further accused NORDECO of failing in its responsibility to the public.
“NORDECO’s refusal to cooperate is not just irresponsible it is a betrayal of the very consumers it claims to serve. By holding back assets, it continues to hostage consumers from accessing reliable, affordable electricity under Davao Light’s more advanced system,” the group said.
DCM urged the cooperative to immediately cease actions that could disrupt the transition and instead prioritize consumer welfare.
“We call on NORDECO to stop these disruptive tactics and prioritize the welfare of its consumers,” the group added.
