PNP intensifies drive against electricity thieves

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has mobilized its nationwide commanders to build airtight cases against electricity thieves and facility pilferers to guarantee higher conviction rates in court.

Violators caught stealing electricity or vandalizing power infrastructure will face charges under Republic Act No. 7832, also known as the Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the campaign mirrors strategies used for focus crimes, aiming to deter future offenders by working closely with the Department of Justice to build strong cases that secure convictions.

“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 in a news release.

The PNP chief said protecting power distribution is vital to national security and the economy, warning that any disruption heavily impacts households, schools, and small businesses.

The intensified crackdown follows a recent agreement signed between the PNP and a major electric company to enhance coordination, information sharing and joint law enforcement efforts.

“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,” Nartatez added. (Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)