PNP ramps up efforts vs electricity theft

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National (PNP) on Friday said it has ramped up efforts against pilferage of electricity distribution facilities and theft of power lines through stronger case build-up and coordination with major electricity companies.

In a statement on Friday, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said he seeks to strengthen the strong conviction rate of all those involved in disrupting the power lines by coordinating with the Department of Justice to establish “strong cases”.

He said that aside from the PNP’s “aggressive operations”, the effort is to ensure individuals are charged accordingly to prevent such criminal activities from continuing.

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READ: Only less than 5% of electricity theft cases result in convictions – PNP

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“The certainty of arrest and punishment is also a strong crime prevention measure because it sends a strong message that the rule of law always prevails. This is what we in the PNP are also focusing on matters pertaining to theft and pilferage of electricity,” Nartatez said.

Arrested individuals may be charged for violating Republic Act No. 7832, also known as the Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994.

Moreover, the PNP also signed an agreement with Meralco, a major electricity power distribution company, to enhance partnership and coordination in information sharing, as well as joint law enforcement operations to ensure the security of electricity distribution facilities.

“Protecting power distribution and other critical infrastructures is part of the PNP mandate, we will make sure that this mandate is observed down to the municipal and city levels,” he added. /jpv