BACOLOD City — The Bacolod City government has urged telecommunications companies (telcos) to strengthen security at their cell tower sites following 15 theft incidents reported in the city over the past two weeks.
Representatives of security service providers contracted by various telcos met with city officials to discuss measures to prevent further thefts and protect telecommunications infrastructure.
Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Marty Go, Councilor Pao Sy, chairperson of the City Council’s Committee on Peace and Order, and Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Director Col. Eugene Rebadomia attended the meeting.
Go said Mayor Greg Gasataya called the meeting after receiving reports of multiple theft incidents involving cell towers.
He said thieves have been taking anything of value from the sites, including cables, copper components, batteries and other equipment.
The thefts have also disrupted telecommunications services, with some areas experiencing internet connectivity problems due to damaged or stolen equipment.
One of the major concerns raised during the meeting was the limited number of security personnel assigned to cell tower sites.
Go said there were instances where only one security guard was assigned to monitor several towers across the city.
Rebadomia recommended that telcos deploy additional security guards and, whenever possible, assign dedicated personnel to individual cell tower sites.
Police visibility around telecommunications facilities will also be increased to deter theft and protect critical infrastructure.
Go said some cell tower sites also lack functioning closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras because the equipment itself had been stolen.
He added that some sites have been targeted more than once, with at least one tower reportedly burglarized twice among the 15 incidents recorded during the two-week period.
Rebadomia also urged security providers and telcos to file formal complaints whenever suspects are arrested to ensure that cases are properly documented and pursued in court.
Authorities emphasized the need for closer coordination among telecommunications companies, private security providers and the police to strengthen security, prevent further theft and minimize disruptions to telecommunications services in Bacolod./PN
