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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP to assist LGUs, utilities in running after power thieves

PNP to assist LGUs, utilities in running after power thieves

Published Jan 29, 2021 04:50 pm

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered Friday the Philippine National Police (PNP) to provide assistance to the local government units (LGUs) and electric distribution utilities (EDU) in running after power thieves.

With the prevalent electric transmission line pilferage, DILG officer-in-charge (OIC) Bernardo Florece Jr. issued the directive after the department inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) committing to ensure public safety and continued delivery of electric service to consumers by the EDUs.

In the directive, Florece urged the LGUs to ensure that permits, certifications, rights-of-way and other pertinent documents required by law for the operation of EDUs are issued within the timeline set under the Ease of Doing Business Act.

Florece’s directive also tasks the PNP to assist the LGUs and the EDUs in the inspection of the electric facilities and in identifying and penalizing power thieves.

"We received reports on the theft of power cables and rampant use of illegal jumpers, especially in informal settler communities. We have therefore directed the PNP and LGUs to work with EDUs in pinning down power thieves who illegally use electricity or commit theft of electric power transmission lines and materials,” said Florece.

Florece also instructed the PNP and concerned LGUs to assist EDUs in preventing and removing obstructions to electric power lines pursuant to the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act.

“Electricity is essential in our day-to-day activities. LGUs should therefore fast track the issuance, approval, and release of permits and other requirements necessary for EDUs operations," he added.

Florece stressed that the LGUs must ensure that the transaction charges they impose on EDUs comply with the provisions of DILG-Department of Finance (DOF) Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) 2019-01 on reasonable regulatory charges.

To ensure that power pilferers will be made to account for their illegal acts, Florece enjoined the LGUs to enact ordinances parallel with the national laws on anti-electricity pilferage and include mechanisms to identify and penalize violators.

Florece also compelled the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to provide the PNP with relevant information on fire incidents caused by damaged, destroyed or compromised electric power transmission lines or facilities.

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