According to Globe, a digital solutions provider, it saw 746 incidents of cable theft in the first five months of the year. At least 1,600 customers reported connectivity issues allegedly because of deliberate cable cuts.

However, Globe said the cases declined from the same five-month period last year to 1,876, and a full-year total of 3,598. The company attributed this to the reduction in existing copper cable lines as part of Globe’s transition to fiber, and the bundling of cables that makes it more difficult to cut. Copper is the type of cable often stolen and sold to junk shops at around P470 per kilo.

“While the reported cases may have decreased, we believe one incident is one too many. Because ultimately, it’s our customers who suffer,” Raymond Policarpio, vice president of Globe At Home Broadband Business, said in a statement.

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To address this, Globe is working with law enforcement agencies and local governments. The company had allotted P1.4 million to reimburse subscribers affected by outages caused by the illegal acts. 

Working with law enforcement agencies

“As we continue to work closely with law enforcers and local government units to stop these thieves, we urge our customers to be vigilant and immediately report cable theft incidents via Globe Security hotlines and bantaykable@globe.com.ph,” Policarpio said. 

Globe has also amplified its campaign against cable theft through its Bantay Kable Program, operating in cooperation with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local government units, such as in Bacolod City. In 2022, Executive Order 015 was issued by Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez to address the rampant theft of wires of various telecommunications companies in Bacolod City.

Reports can be made via the Globe Security Hotline: 0917 6888545 (nationwide), 0906 3244626 (Visayas) and 09177915794 (Mindanao).