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Crackdown vs power thieves intensified

October 26, 2024 Alfred P. Dalizon 170 views

TOP officials of the National Capital Region Police Office and the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) recently enhanced their partnership in the crackdown against power thieves in Metro Manila.

NCRPO director, Major General Sidney S. Hernia assured Meralco officials of the NCRPO’s commitment to help them ensure the public’s safety and security, particularly in managing public utility concerns and emergency response initiatives in the metropolis.

Maj. Gen. Hernioa made the assurance during a courtesy call by Meralco head of corporate security department Michael M. Saguin, North Metering Services and Security manager Frederico A. Naniong Jr, Central Metering Services and Security manager Lord Percival B. Cheng and South Metering Security Support Team officer Ralph Anthony M. Supan paid a courtesy call on the Metro Manila police chief at the NCRPO headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.

The visit, said Maj. Gen. Hernia, highlighted the importance of a strengthened partnership between Meralco and the NCRPO as part of each agency’s commitment to provide efficient and reliable service to the public.

The NCRPO and Meralco officials also vowed to further address community concerns, enhance public safety measures, and improve emergency response strategies.

“This collaboration underscores both organizations’ dedication to public service and community welfare,” said Maj. Gen. Hernia.

The Department of Interior and Local Government had previously directed the Philippine National Police to assist local government units and electric distribution utilities in inspecting electric facilities and in identifying and penalizing power thieves.

The move was made to arrest the presence of power cable thieves and the rampant use of illegal jumpers especially in informal settler communities. It also aimed to prevent and remove obstructions to electric power lines pursuant to the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act.

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