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The Manila Electric Company (Meralco), under the leadership of Manuel V. Pangilinan, has joined forces with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to tackle the persistent problem of electricity distribution facility theft through a series of knowledge-sharing seminars.

Spearheaded by Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel Atty. William S. Pamintuan, the initiative builds on a memorandum of understanding signed last year between Meralco and the PNP. The agreement underscores both organizations’ commitment to proactively addressing the theft of electric meters and other critical distribution equipment — a crime that not only disrupts services but also endangers public safety.

The first seminar in the series brought together PNP personnel and Meralco experts to deepen their understanding of the technical and legal dimensions of the issue. Engr. Marcelino Menchar T. Asido of Meralco’s Meter Testing group led a comprehensive session on the different types of electric meters, explaining their functions, classifications, and vulnerabilities.

On the legal side, Atty. Fredrick Fern M. Belandres, Meralco’s Lead for Legal Operations Support, provided an overview of the laws governing electric facility theft, with particular focus on Republic Act No. 7832, also known as the Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994. His briefing highlighted the law’s provisions for identifying power distribution facilities and electric meters, which will help police investigators more effectively apprehend and prosecute violators.

This collaborative effort reflects Meralco’s and the PNP’s shared resolve to safeguard vital electricity infrastructure, protect consumers, and uphold the integrity of the distribution network. As the seminars continue, both institutions aim to equip more police officers and stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to combat this form of pilferage more decisively.