3 cable thieves caught

MANILA, Philippines, December 20, 2006 – Three suspects believed to be responsible for the theft of PLDT cables in Muntinlupa City and Laguna in the past months were finally caught in the act of cutting PLDT’s aerial cables in Muntinlupa City recently.

The three, all minors, were caught by police authorities in the act of cutting PLDT aerial cables along West Service Road corner Villongco St., Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City, last Dec. 3, 2006.

The suspects, now detained at the Muntinlupa City Jail, were presented at the sala of Honorable Elisa R. Sarmiento Flores, Assistant City Prosecutor, City of Muntinlupa, for inquiry. A case of “theft” was filed against the three and a bail of P10,000 each for their temporary release was recommended.

They were initially brought to the Police Station for custodial investigation and later turned over to the Criminal Investigation Division Office, Muntinlupa City Police Station, for investigation and proper disposition.

Cesar E. Mendoza, PLDT Administration and Materials Management Group (AMMG) - Asset Protection Center Head, said PLDT is working closely with police authorities and barangay officials to curb cable theft nationwide.

“We intend to prosecute all these thieves since they are actually destroying vital communications facilities that many people and businesses depend on,” he said.

Wilfredo A. Arcinue, Greater Metro Manila Asset Protection 2 Division Head, added that it would be ideal if ordinary citizens can help also.

“We urge people to be vigilant in reporting these thieves. It is the community’s loss in the end.”

He added that through a new system that involves law enforcement agencies and various community organizations, PLDT has improved its response time and ability to catch these phone cable thieves.