Illegal cable cutting and cable theft are now considered among the biggest challenges that the utility and telecommunications sectors in the Philippines face today. Not only do these criminal acts disrupt critical services such as electricity, cable, and an internet connection, but they also pose life-threatening hazards to communities.
From 2020 to October 2022, the Manila Electric Company said it recorded 457 cable theft incidents in Metro Manila alone, which resulted in 106 power interruptions and eight cases of injury and death.
Yet, despite the risks, incidents of intentional cable cutting continue to rise. At a news briefing last week, Meralco Operations Services Manager Efren Olpindo attributed this to the black market wherein crooks sell the copper or aluminum components of the wires to junk shops. Electrical cables, in particular, pose a higher value than telcos.
Olpindo warned though, that the consequences of this illegal activity far outweigh the profit that the perpetrators will make. Illegal cutting of power cables could result in injuries and deaths due to improper handling of high voltage wires that lead to electrocution. This can also trigger fire incidents that might claim not just houses but also the lives of innocent members of the community.
Intentional cutting of electrical cables also results in power interruptions, with restoration time taking up to five to six hours. Affected residents will experience inconvenience due to the lack of power, and businesses will be disrupted, with repercussions on operational expenses.
Meralco called on its customers to combat these illegal activities and report any incidents of tampering or theft of power cables. This is a supplement campaign to its recent initiative to join "Oplan Kontra Putol" – an industry-wide program involving telco, utility, and cable companies seeking to shed light on the illegal act of cable-cutting, and its grave consequences.
In a manifesto signed by representatives of supporting utilities, the campaign condemns illegal cable cutting, calling it a "disservice to customers." The signatories include PLDT, Smart Communications Inc., Globe Telecom Inc., Metroworks ICT Construction Inc., Radius Telecoms Inc., Streamtech Systems Technologies Inc., Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association Inc., and Sky Cable Corporation.
From the powers sector, Meralco and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines likewise joined the coalition and expressed support for "Oplan Kontra Putol."
Aside from pursuing an education and information campaign, the campaign also pushes for the deployment of security and patrolling systems, and tighter collaboration with local authorities and government units.
"Oplan Kontra Putol" calls for the implementation of Republic Act 10515, which criminalizes intentional cable cutting, and also urges barangays and local government units to encourage their constituents and communities to be vigilant and to immediately report suspected and actual incidents of intentional cable cutting to local officials, local police, and respective service providers.
This campaign is a solid start to ward off the rise in cases of illegal cable cutting. There just needs to be stronger engagement among all stakeholders involved, from both the private and public sectors.
If effectively enforced, it will be a huge boon to the utility, telco, and cable sectors, since there will be a shift in priorities — from pursuing perpetrators, there will be a reinvigorated focus on upgrades and maintenance of network infrastructures. With improvements in these critical industries, not just consumers will benefit, but the nation as a whole.