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Globe, PNP Boost #BantayKable Campaign, Clamp Down on Rampant Cable Theft in Bacolod

Leading digital solutions platform Globe has joined hands with the local police force to intensify the #BantayKable campaign in Bacolod City amid rampant cable cutting and theft, which severely disrupt telecom services in the area.

Stolen cable wires in Bacolod City

Stolen cable wires in Bacolod City.

Globe met with various telco stakeholders and the Bacolod City Police Office for urgent government intervention on wire theft, which has been on the rise since the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, inconveniencing residents and businesses that rely on the Internet for their day-to-day activities.

Cable theft incident in Cebu City.

Cable theft incident in Cebu City.

Since the start of the year, major players in the telco industry in Bacolod have lost more than 25,000 meters of copper and fiber cables. Of this total cable length, approximately 16,000 meters of Globe copper wires have been replaced or repaired, a sharp increase compared to last year. These malicious activities affect all service providers, leaving customers with very limited options for alternative connectivity.


“We need the government’s help to address this problem. Globe cannot do this alone.  We’re glad that we have the support of the Bacolod police and local government unit.  Together, we will stop this criminal practice,” said Jojo Viray, Safety and Security Lead at Globe’s Visayas Security Operations.


Bacolod City Police Director Thomas Joseph Martir warned that those caught stealing cables will face the full force of the law.

Globe’s #BantayKable - Arrested in the act of cutting cables

Arrested in the act of cutting cables in Brgy. Villamonte, Bacolod City.

Kung wala kamo kwarta, don’t touch the wires in Bacolod. Nagpatawag nagid sila para sa Task Force meeting so we will strictly implement [the law against] pilferage. We will double our efforts starting today,” he said.


Likewise, the law enforcement chief directed junk shop operators to stop purchasing stolen cables, saying those caught would also be charged in court.


In response to the appeal of telco operators, the city government of Bacolod also recently launched the Bantay Kable task force to monitor areas vulnerable to cable theft and prevent damage to wires by implementing rules on the allowable height of trucks.


City Administrator Edward Joseph Cuansing said the city government would coordinate closely with the Bacolod City Police Office, Association of Barangay Captains (ABC), City Engineer's Office, Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office (DRRMO), and telco players to immediately address numerous reports of pilferage.


Globe’s intensified campaign against cable theft has led to 108 arrests in Bacolod, Cebu, and Bohol in the first four months of 2022.  This is through collaborations with the Philippine National Police (PNP), LGUs, and barangay officials.

  

The number of arrests made between January and April this year was more than triple the number of individuals arrested and charged in 2021 at a total of 30, with 16 culprits, including third-party contractors of other networks and Globe field technicians, convicted and sent to prison.

Globe’s #BantayKable - Arrested third-party contractors

Arrested third-party contractors after cutting Globe cable wires at Minglanilla, Cebu.

“These illegal activities negate Globe’s efforts to bring connectivity and digital enablement to Filipinos.  We appeal to everyone who knows of such unlawful acts to report them immediately through our Security Hotline, 0906-324-4626, or email [email protected],” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe.  


Globe spent a record ₱92.8 billion in capital expenditures last year and earmarked ₱89 billion this year to build a #1stWorldNetwork in the country as part of its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Its expansion efforts support SDG No. 9, which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development.


For more information about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.


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