Palace vows raps vs pumping stations saboteurs

Malacañang Palace warned Monday that individuals who steal components or sabotage flood control pumping stations will be hunted down and prosecuted, following a pilferage incident at a critical facility in Tondo, Manila.

The warning comes after thieves allegedly stole electrical wiring connected to the generator and primary power connections at the Sunog Apog Pumping Station in Tondo over the weekend, according to Barangay 183 chairperson Joseph Lipasana.

“This is a reminder and a warning to thieves,” said Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro in a video statement.

“This is saddening because the President, the DPWH, MMDA and other agencies are doing everything possible to alleviate the flooding problem,” she added.

Castro stressed that missing parts prevent pumping stations from operating during severe weather events, forcing the government to allocate funds for replacements and causing delays that prolong floodwaters in affected communities.

“Because of these stolen vital parts, the pumping stations will not work,” Castro said.

“We will have to spend again for replacements. What if a replacement cannot be obtained immediately? These cannot be fixed right away, which will once again cause floods to recede slowly,” she added.

Castro called on the public to protect critical public infrastructure that safeguards communities during heavy rains and monsoon season, warning that acts of sabotage endanger lives and property.

“Do not sabotage the President’s projects,” Castro said. “Let us work together. We are all Filipinos. Let us all be good Filipinos. To those committing this sabotage, the law will pursue you. We will hold you accountable, because lives and livelihoods can be affected by your selfish actions.”