MMDA boots out 6 workers over cable theft

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will dismiss six workers who were arrested Tuesday for allegedly stealing electrical wires from a post in Quezon City.

“We will kick them out. We will send them to jail,” said MMDA General Manager Robert Nacianceno.

Nacianceno said the MMDA will assist police in pressing charges against the six arrested workers, who also face an additional charge of illegally using an MMDA vehicle.

He said the workers were using an MMDA truck when they were arrested at about 8 p.m. at the corner of Santol and Ilocnadia Streets in Barangay Sto.Nino.

Boy Franco, head of the MMDA’s Road Clearing and Widening Office, said workers Erleo Reyes, Paulino Consolacion, Rey Buenvenida, Jun Mojica, Michael Cabrera and Rico Teddy have no authority to use the truck outside of office hours.Franco added that those arrested were not even supposed to be in Quezon City as they are detailed in Manila.

Police said village watchmen saw the MMDA personnel cutting wires from an electric post, prompting village officials to seek help.A Manila Electric Co. official said the cables were company property, and the MMDA workers have no authority to cut them without coordinating with Meralco.       – Mike Frialde, Reinir Padua