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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider 7 nabbed for telco cable theft in Makati

7 nabbed for telco cable theft in Makati

Published Nov 12, 2025 11:25 am
The recovered pieces of evidence from the seven suspects. (Photo from SPD)
The recovered pieces of evidence from the seven suspects. (Photo from SPD)

Seven men were arrested by the Makati City Police on Tuesday, Nov. 11, for stealing more than P200,000 worth of underground copper cables owned by a telecommunications (telco) company in Barangay San Lorenzo, Makati City.

Police identified the suspects as "Richard," 33; "Gilbert," 42; "Mervin," 38; "Joseph," 33; "Marco," 35; "Christian," 33; and "Ivan," 25, all residents of Manila, Caloocan, and Cavite.

According to the police report, the seven suspects were spotted underground by patrolling police officers along EDSA near the corner of Arnaiz Avenue. 

As the policemen approached the suspects to inspect what they were doing, they immediately escaped onboard a white six-wheel closed van, taking with them the stolen underground copper cables owned by PLDT.

A brief chase ensued before the suspects were intercepted at Doña Soledad Exit, Barangay Sun Valley, Parañaque City.

Seized from the suspects were the stolen PLDT copper cables measuring about six meters, various cutting and digging equipment, chains, hooks, and a blue pushcart. The stolen materials were estimated to be worth P269,824.

"The suspects were brought to the Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS) of Makati CPS for the filing of appropriate theft charges," the police said.

Meanwhile, PLDT's Asset Protection Specialist Joel De Leon Jr. commended the quick action of the responding policemen, which prevented further network losses and ensured the protection of critical telecommunications infrastructure.

Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo, Southern Police District (SPD) director, lauded the Makati Police team for their alertness and dedication to service.

"Cable theft not only causes major service disruptions but also affects the daily lives of our citizens. The SPD remains firm in its commitment to protect vital public utilities and hold offenders accountable," Arceo said.

Related Tags

TELCO PLDT SPD MAKATI CITY POLICE MAKATI CITY THEFT COPPER CABLE METRO NEWS
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