Cable wire thieves in cahoots with policemen fall
MANILA, Philippines, February 19, 2007 – Four suspected telephone cable thieves including two policemen were caught recently by the joint PNP-WPD Mobile Force and PLDT-APD Task Force while in the act of cutting underground cable wires along Ayala Bridge, near Palanca Street, Quiapo, Manila.
Arrested were Jason Sanchez and Jun Bagalacsa, both residents of 2992 Tambunting St., Blumentritt, Manila and PO1 Reynaldo Borjal, PO2 Robert Cruz, both assigned at PNP-WPD PCP Station 5 in Lawton. Two other police officers who were with the group escaped.
A firefight nearly ensued when the apprehending lawmen attempted to disarm the suspected police officers. The civilian suspects, who claimed that the policemen were the masterminds of the illegal activity, were detained at WPD Headquarters.
A criminal case of theft was filed against them at the Manila Assistant Prosecutor’s Office under Fiscal Carmen De Jesus-Ogad while the involved policemen were turned over to the WPD General Assignment Section and National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) for filing of appropriate legal action against them.
The PLDT Security Group, in collaboration with the PNP, said they conducted the operation on the basis of ground intelligence and sustained surveillance operations due to reported business disruptions as a result of cable pilferages.
PLDT Administration and Materials Management Group (AMMG) - Asset Protection Center Head Cesar E. Mendoza said the arrest of the suspects is a big boost to PLDT’s campaign to stop cable thefts. “This sends a strong message in every street corner that we are serious in protecting PLDT facilities. Cable thefts disrupt communication in affected areas resulting to financial loss, among others,” Mendoza said.
Recovered from the suspects were two units of chain block, a mechanical jack, two pieces hammer, a vice grip, four pieces of hacksaw, a bolo, three pieces of chisel, cut cable wires with the vehicles used during the cable pilferage attempt - a Blue FX with plate number LCZ-412 and an owner type jeep with government plate number SDM-954.