No power shutdown on Friday night, Meralco says

No power shutdown will take place in the Philippine capital, the Manila Electric Co. said, dispelling rumors that it will cut service as typhoon “Pepeng" enters the country. “Meralco will only cut off power if the situation calls for it and will put its customers in dire danger," the company said in a statement. Metro Manila’s lone electricity distributor was prompted to make this announcement after rumors circulated over the Internet and through text messages that it will shut down power on Friday night to prepare for the typhoon’s landfall. But Meralco said that despite the typhoon, it will continue to provide electric service throughout its franchise area. “It is unfortunate that rumors such as these are being circulated. We appeal to those who relay messages of this nature to please exercise prudence before sending messages that may cause panic," the company said in the same statement. Meralco will only shut down power in areas which are greatly affected by floods to prevent more accidents, just like what it did in areas flooded by the storm Ondoy. At the same time, the utility firm said it is currently on alert, with its crew ready for deployment to respond to any contingency. In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Pepeng packs maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kph. It is currently moving west northwest at 19 kph. - GMANews.TV