Philippine law enforcement agencies have arrested 2,487 individuals involved in theft over the past three years, nearly 1,000 of them in 2024 for cable theft and vandalism.
Cable theft and vandalism remain significant challenges for operators like PLDT, causing frequent internet disruptions. Stolen network items often include copper cables, power cables, and batteries.
“Not a lot of people know this, but at PLDT, we spend a lot of man hours to secure our network,” said Butch Jimenez, chief operating officer and head of Network at PLDT. “This is a big win for our security team — and we extend our gratitude to the PNP and to our partners in the barangays and communities who have helped us catch these suspects.”
“We are still implementing stronger physical security controls, surveillance measures, and rapid response strategies to make sure our customers stay connected. I’m proud of our teamwork, preparedness, and proactive security mindset — but we intend to do even better this year,” said Wilfredo Gonio, head of Security Central Command and Administration Center at PLDT.
PLDT encourages the public to report incidents by calling Hotline 164 from any landline or mobile phone. When reporting cable breakage or other issues, callers should provide details such as the time and place of the incident, a brief description, and their contact information. Landmarks or photos of the site can help speed up response efforts.