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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider MCWD alarmed over water meter thefts

MCWD alarmed over water meter thefts

Published Mar 26, 2026 04:38 pm
CEBU CITY – The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) has expressed alarm over the increasing cases of water meter thefts in two towns in northern Cebu.
The MCWD said that the towns of Liloan and Consolacion recorded the highest number of cases in March.
From March 1 to 24, 141 incidents were reported, with Liloan accounting for 84 cases and Consolacion with 39. Other areas with reported cases were Mandaue City (10), Cebu City (five), and Lapu-Lapu City (three).
The MCWD noted a rising trend in Liloan. In February, of the 19 total reported incidents, 11 were recorded in the municipality, the highest for the month.
Other areas included Lapu-Lapu City (two), Mandaue City (two), Talisay City (two), and one case each in Cebu City and Consolacion.
In January, MCWD recorded 12 cases, with Cebu City posting the highest at nine, followed by Lapu-Lapu City (two) and Liloan (one).
To address the increasing cases, MCWD urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify police visibility and help the water district track down water meter thieves and those involved in the illegal trade of stolen meters.
In a move to avert theft cases from further increasing, MCWD is offering a P25,000 reward to people who can provide information leading to the arrest of individuals who buy stolen water meters and P10,000 for information leading to the arrest of water meter thieves.
The water district warned that it will seriously pursue charges against individuals who purchase stolen meters, in line with the Anti-Fencing Law of 1979.
MCWD also reminded the public that water meter theft causes immediate service interruption and may pose risks of contamination, as service lines are left exposed once the meter is removed.
Consumers were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity through MCWD’s official communication channels.
In case of theft, affected customers must first secure a police report containing details such as their Account Code, registered customer name, and meter serial number before proceeding to the MCWD One-Stop Shop to request a meter replacement.

Related Tags

Water meters MCWD Theft Cebu
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