Globe lauds the swift arrest of three suspects who ransacked a cell site and took critical equipment in Glan Padidu, Sarangani Province, even as it intensifies efforts to safeguard network assets and ensure service reliability.
The suspects—Ryan G. Oñate, Jonathan Minguillan Danlag, and Lito Bacalso—all residents of Purok Malinawon, Lanoy, Barangay Calumpang in General Santos City, were brought to the Glan Municipal Police Station for investigation and filing of appropriate criminal charges.
A burglar alarm triggered at the site in the early morning of June 14 alerted Globe’s security team, which promptly coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP).
PNP operatives intercepted the suspects at a checkpoint in Barangay Kapatan, Sarangani, while aboard a Mitsubishi Strada pick-up with plate number MDK 746. The vehicle contained four Wolong Rectifier Batteries (48V) and two Motolite Genset Batteries (12V).
The theft of network equipment severely disrupts community connectivity, impacting internet access and communication. Such incidents significantly hinder households, communities, and even government agencies reliant on online transactions and processes, directly undermining national directives aimed at improving connectivity for education, healthcare, local governance, and general access. The loss of the rectifier and genset batteries led to 15 minutes of downtime across 20 Globe cell sites in the area.
“We commend the rapid and decisive action of our Security Response Unit and the PNP in Sarangani. This successful apprehension underscores the effectiveness of our security protocols and the importance of our strong partnership with law enforcement agencies in protecting our vital network infrastructure,” said Erick Bergavera of Globe’s Mindanao Security Operations, Security, Anti-Fraud and Investigation Division.
Globe has already filed a case with the Provincial Prosecutor in Alabel, Sarangani, to ensure that appropriate legal actions are pursued against the suspects.
While security measures such as battery cages (Cellda) were in place at the Glan site, the suspects used specialized tools to dismantle the structures. This incident shows the ongoing challenges telcos face in preventing equipment-related crime.
Globe continues to strengthen network protection strategies to prevent theft and vandalism, which directly impact service reliability.
To help maintain uninterrupted and reliable connectivity nationwide, Globe encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near telecom infrastructure to local authorities.
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