CIDG NABS ELECTRICITY PILFERAGE SUSPECT IN LAGUNA

THE intensified operations by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) against theft of electricity distribution facilities have hauled to jail a pilferage suspect in Laguna.

CIDG Director PMGen Nicolas D. Torre III said arrested was alias “John,” a contractor.

“John” was caught in the act of selling and trading three electricity meters of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) without authority. 

Torre said that operatives of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 4A, together with the CIDG Laguna Provincial Field Unit, on Wednesday conducted an entrapment operation against the suspect in Calamba City, Laguna.

The sting was launched following reports of alleged electricity pilferage and theft of electric power transmission line and materials in the city.

As a field man, “John” connects the disconnected power lines of the consumers,  which opened an opportunity for him to cut deals.

Authorities said the modus of the suspect is to  offer for sale an electricity meter for P15,000 and collect a P1,000.00 flat rate monthly. The customers will no longer pay for the meter and monthly electricity bills to Meralco.

Torre emphasized that Republic Act 7832 also known as the “Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994” was enacted to curb the rampant theft of electricity and tampering of electrical infrastructure in the Philippines. 

It is implemented in response to the growing concern over electricity pilferage, which negatively impacts the entire country’s power sector.

The law recognizes that pilferage leads to significant revenue losses for electric companies, increased electricity rates for lawful consumers, and damages to electric infrastructure, thereby threatening public safety. 

The arrested suspect was charged before the National Prosecution Service with qualified theft and violation of Sec. 3, paragraph (a) sub- paragraph (4) in relation to Sec. 4 paragraph (b) of RA 7832 for theft of electric power transmission lines and materials. 

“We urge the public to report any activities on electricity pilferage, including illegal sale of electricity meters, electric power transmission lines and materials, and the CIDG will do the rest,” Torre said.