Telecommunications company PLDT Inc. recorded fewer cable theft incidents in the first 11 months of 2025 after expanding its work with barangays, local governments, and police to protect telecommunications equipment.
The company said apprehension incidents fell by 34% from January to November 2025 compared with the same period last year, while the number of apprehended suspects declined by 24%. The figures were linked to tighter community-based monitoring and faster reporting of theft incidents.
PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. have been strengthening their barangay-based asset protection program, Bayanihan, through their Asset Protection and Security Risk Governance Group (APSRG). In 2025, sessions were held in Makati, Dagupan, Davao City, Liloan, Calamba, General Santos, Quezon City, Rodriguez in Rizal, Pasay, Cagayan de Oro, and Dasmarinas.
“Our intensified collaboration with barangays this year highlights the importance of bringing communities into the conversation when it comes to protecting our network,” said Leo Gonzales, VP and head of Property, Facilities, and Asset Resiliency Management at PLDT and Smart. “Every cable and piece of equipment we safeguard helps pave the way for uninterrupted connectivity for their own homes and neighborhoods, as well as for businesses and institutions that rely on us daily.”
Gonzales also noted that by working hand in hand with local leaders and residents, the companies are not simply preventing theft, they are also ensuring that digital services remain accessible and reliable for millions of Filipinos.
The company said cable theft and vandalism are still major concerns, particularly in areas where copper cables are targeted. In 2024, PLDT recorded nearly 1,000 loss incidents related to theft, with some parts of Manila experiencing cases as often as every three days.
These incidents do not only result in material losses but also disrupt services for customers, leading to complaints and lost revenue. PLDT said this was why it focused on involving local communities, which are often the first to notice suspicious activity.
“On the ground, these partnerships make a real difference,” said Col. Wilfredo Gonio, head of PLDT and Smart’s Security Central Command and Administration Center under the APSRG. “When barangays and local authorities actively help monitor, report incidents, or apprehend thieves, we can respond faster and prevent bigger disruptions. This shared sense of responsibility empowers communities to protect the infrastructure that keeps them connected.”
PLDT said the Bayanihan program is designed not only to discourage theft but also to help residents understand how to protect both physical infrastructure and digital services in their areas. The company added that continued coordination with local leaders is key to keeping networks stable and services available.
The telco said it plans to continue these community-based efforts as part of its broader approach to reduce service disruptions and maintain reliable connectivity for customers nationwide.