OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines – Authorities arrested in separate operations at least 640 people for alleged involvement in illegal electric service connection and use of tampered meters which resulted in losses worth almost P2 million.
The Olongapo Electricity Distribution Co. (OEDC) said the arrests were part of its drive to clean the city of illegal connections, reduce systems losses and improved power services. It said criminal charges would be filed against the suspects.
“These illegal connections resulted in an estimated unbilled monthly energy consumption of more than 206 kilowatt hours amounting to about P1.77 million,†OEDC said in a statement furnished to The STAR.
The company warned the public that electricity theft is a serious criminal offense punishable with 12-year imprisonment, as it urged them to report power pilferage.