Power Cable Theft Leaves 8,000 Without Electricity in QC

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Meralco issued a warning regarding the theft of electrical facilities, highlighting the substantial safety risks and potential service disruptions. This announcement followed an attempted cable theft in Quezon City that temporarily cut power for nearly 8,000 customers. The suspect sustained critical injuries from burns caused by contact with energized lines, disrupting service for about four hours until repairs were made by Meralco crews.

The incident underscores significant dangers associated with stealing power cables and related infrastructure. Froilan Savet, Meralco's senior vice president, emphasized the life-threatening risks posed by the high voltage facilities. He stressed that any contact with energized equipment could result in severe injuries or fatalities and urged public vigilance to maintain electrical service safety.

In 2025, Meralco recorded 285 theft incidents involving electrical facilities. These included power cables and meters, with four incidents leading to physical injuries. The theft of such infrastructure is a violation of Republic Act 7832, which prescribes penalties such as fines and imprisonment for offenders. Meralco has called on communities to report any suspicious activities linked to their facilities.

Looking forward, Meralco aims to enhance community engagement and improve monitoring to prevent future theft attempts. They are encouraging the public to collaborate with local authorities and the company to prevent any tampering with the electrical network. This proactive approach is intended to safeguard against both service disruptions and safety hazards, reported Philstar.

Key Takeaways

• Meralco warns of safety risks and disruptions from electrical facility theft.

• In 2025, 285 related theft incidents were recorded by Meralco.

• Public urged to report suspicious activities to prevent infrastructure tampering.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Philstar 2026-01-12