Globe Telecom Inc. said theft cases in its network facilities rose by 26 percent to 3,887 in 2023 compared to 3,069 cases in 2022, which have resulted in 1,153 service outage incidents in the affected communities. 

Around 62.8 percent of cases or 2,441 cases were recorded in the Greater Manila Area; 510 cases were logged in Mindanao; 472 in Visayas; 379 in Northern Luzon; and 85 in Southern Luzon. 

Among the stolen materials were cable lines, batteries, and electronics that are valuable network assets of the telco and critical to efficient functionality of the facility.

"When our network facilities are compromised, it disrupts essential connectivity that people heavily rely on for day-to-day activities at work and in school, and for critical tasks such as emergency response. Every outage caused by pilferage impacts not just the business but, more so, our customers,” said Globe SVP and Head of Network Planning and Engineering Joel Agustin. 

In the first half of 2023, the telco reported 834 batteries were stolen, which were 2.4 times higher than 352 vases in the whole of 2022. 

Globe is calling on the public to alert and report suspicious theft-related activities to the company or the authorities. Reports can be referred to the Globe Security Command (09176888545), the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s 16677 helpline. Complaints can also be made to the nearest police station in the area. 

Individuals caught with stolen property will face significant legal penalties including possible fines and imprisonment, said Globe. 

More importantly, the telco is constantly coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to protect its facilities, and conduct random inspections to safeguard the equipment.