ILOILO City – Alarmed by a series of fire incidents linked to unauthorized electrical connections, the Iloilo City Government has relaunched Task Force Boltahe to go after power pilferers tapping into public utility lines such as streetlights, public schools, markets, and plazas.
Through Executive Order No. 015, Series of 2025, Mayor Raisa Treñas reactivated the task force as the city ramps up efforts to eliminate illegal electrical connections that have been compromising public safety and draining government resources.
“We are determined to end this dangerous and unlawful practice,” said Treñas. “Our goal is to protect lives and property from the risks brought by illegal electrical connections and to stop the misuse of electricity paid for by the city government but illegally used by others.”
Preliminary investigations showed that many recent fire incidents stemmed from unsafe and illegal tapping of power lines — particularly from streetlight circuits and other government-owned facilities.
Task Force Boltahe, originally created to curb electricity pilferage, has now been reorganized to serve as the city’s dedicated watchdog for illegal connections. Its mandates include inspecting all 180 barangays, coordinating with MORE Electric and Power Corporation – this city’s sole power distributor – and the City Legal Office, disconnecting unauthorized lines, and filing criminal charges under Republic Act No. 7832, the Anti-Electricity Pilferage Act of 1994.
“To ensure consistent and efficient service of our streetlights in all barangays, Task Force Boltahe will serve as our front line in detecting, documenting, and pursuing these violations,” Treñas added.
The mayor warned that those caught stealing electricity will face legal consequences, reiterating the city’s zero-tolerance policy against power pilferage.
“This is not just about stolen electricity—it’s about public safety and accountability,” she said./PN
