BUSINESS
Advocates Philippines
Cable Theft Leaves 8,000 Homes In The Dark, Meralco Warns Of Deadly Risks
Photo credit: Meralco
MANILA, Philippines — Meralco has once again warned the public about the serious dangers of stealing power cables after a predawn incident in Quezon City briefly knocked out electricity to nearly 8,000 customers.
The incident happened around 3:00 a.m. on January 4, when a 37-year-old man allegedly tried to steal power cables connected to Meralco facilities. The attempt triggered a power disruption in the area, prompting Meralco crews to rush to the site. Electricity was fully restored by 7:00 a.m.
The suspect, however, was not as fortunate. He reportedly suffered flashover burns and fell from a tree during the incident. He was immediately taken to a hospital and remains in critical condition.
“This incident underscores the grave dangers of stealing power cables and electrical facilities. Beyond the inconvenience caused by service interruptions, these acts pose life threatening risks due to the high voltage of Meralco facilities. Any contact with energized facilities can lead to electric shock, severe injuries, or even death,” Meralco Senior Vice President and Head of Networks Froilan J. Savet said.
Savet also called on the public to stay alert and help protect vital power infrastructure. “Once again, we urge the public to cooperate in maintaining safe and reliable electricity service by reporting any suspicious activity involving Meralco facilities,” he added.
Meralco stressed that wire and cable theft is a criminal offense under Republic Act No. 7832, or the Anti-Electricity Pilferage Act, which carries penalties including fines and imprisonment.
Customers are encouraged to report power-related concerns through the MyMeralco app, Meralco’s official social media accounts on Facebook and X, by texting 0920-9716211 or 0917-5516211, or by calling the Meralco Hotline at 16211.
The incident happened around 3:00 a.m. on January 4, when a 37-year-old man allegedly tried to steal power cables connected to Meralco facilities. The attempt triggered a power disruption in the area, prompting Meralco crews to rush to the site. Electricity was fully restored by 7:00 a.m.
The suspect, however, was not as fortunate. He reportedly suffered flashover burns and fell from a tree during the incident. He was immediately taken to a hospital and remains in critical condition.
“This incident underscores the grave dangers of stealing power cables and electrical facilities. Beyond the inconvenience caused by service interruptions, these acts pose life threatening risks due to the high voltage of Meralco facilities. Any contact with energized facilities can lead to electric shock, severe injuries, or even death,” Meralco Senior Vice President and Head of Networks Froilan J. Savet said.
Savet also called on the public to stay alert and help protect vital power infrastructure. “Once again, we urge the public to cooperate in maintaining safe and reliable electricity service by reporting any suspicious activity involving Meralco facilities,” he added.
Meralco stressed that wire and cable theft is a criminal offense under Republic Act No. 7832, or the Anti-Electricity Pilferage Act, which carries penalties including fines and imprisonment.
Customers are encouraged to report power-related concerns through the MyMeralco app, Meralco’s official social media accounts on Facebook and X, by texting 0920-9716211 or 0917-5516211, or by calling the Meralco Hotline at 16211.
Jan 5, 2026
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