BACOLOD City – A 64-year-old man was arrested around noon on June 4 for allegedly pilfering electricity from the Negros Electric Power Corporation (Negros Power).
The suspect, identified by the alias “Ray”, is a resident of Barangay Estefania in this city.
According to the Police Station 4 blotter report, Negros Power’s security apprehension team was conducting a random inspection of electric posts and meters in the area when they caught the suspect in the act of illegally tapping wires and interchanging connections.
Security guard Ariel Benedict Escayo apprehended the suspect and immediately sought police assistance.
The suspect is now in police custody and faces a complaint for violating Republic Act No. 7832, or the Anti-Pilferage Act of 1994.
This incident follows a similar case in April, when a resident of Barangay Banago was caught connecting a wire to a secondary line to his house without a meter.
Negros Power issued a strong warning against electricity theft, urging violators to apply for legal connections.
“It’s unfair to our legitimate consumers who religiously pay their electricity bills,” said Roel Castro, President and CEO of Negros Power. “We will continue to apprehend those who steal electricity and hold them accountable under the law.”
He emphasized that electricity theft contributes to system losses, which are ultimately shouldered by paying consumers.
Negros Power said the arrest serves as a stern warning to those who believe they can get away with stealing electricity./PN
