“This is why cable theft is no minor offense.”
The theft of telecommunications cables across the Philippines is a crime that goes beyond mere inconvenience. It affects all of us in profound ways – it disrupts lives, jeopardizes public safety, and even threatens our national security. It’s time we rethought that perspective and recognized cable theft for what it truly is—an assault on our very way of life.
In 2024 alone, there have been almost 1,800 reported cases of telecommunications cable theft across the country. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a glimpse into the serious scale of the problem. Each of these incidents, according to the National Telecommunications Commission, results in around ₱2 million in repair costs.
But the real cost goes much deeper. Think about the estimated hundreds of thousands of consumers who experience service disruptions as a result. These aren’t just numbers on a report. They represent students trying to attend online classes, business owners and customers conducting transactions, and families simply trying to stay connected. For every cable stolen, there’s a story of someone’s life being thrown into chaos.
Why is this happening so often? The answer is simple: copper. The value of copper on the black market makes these cables a prime target. With current laws setting penalties at two to five years of imprisonment and fines ranging from ₱50,000 to ₱100,000, there’s little deterrent for those willing to take the risk.
In May 2024, thanks to alert citizens who witnessed and reported the incident to local police, a gang of 10 cable thieves were caught in the act of cutting wires underneath a manhole with 700 meters of copper cable wire worth P600,000. This shows how the math makes sense for thieves.
Our lives are indispensably dependent on technology. For small businesses, these cables are a lifeline. A single disruption can lead to missed opportunities, lost income, and unhappy customers.
And it’s not just businesses. Imagine a healthcare provider unable to access patient records or online bank services going offline. These incidents are about more than just money; they’re about the well-being and productivity of our entire economy.
Now let’s talk about emergencies. The Philippines ranks among the world’s most vulnerable countries to natural disasters. We regularly face typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural calamities that require fast, coordinated responses. These responses rely on robust telecommunications networks. When cables are stolen, it doesn’t just delay someone’s Netflix binge—it delays critical life-saving responses. In a disaster scenario, a delayed response can mean the difference between life and death.
But it goes even further. Cable theft directly impacts our national security. Reliable communications are essential for law enforcement and the military to do their jobs effectively. If our police officers and military personnel can’t communicate, we’re left vulnerable. Cable theft is more than just stealing wires; it’s compromising the safety of our communities. It’s putting our entire country at risk.
In light of these risks, current penalties are just not working. We need to elevate the consequences to reflect the real harm done. We should treat cable theft like the economic sabotage it truly is.
We need tougher laws. Stiffer penalties would serve as a deterrent for those tempted by the quick cash copper brings on the black market.
But laws alone aren’t enough. We also need collective action. This isn’t just the government’s job or something for telecom companies to figure out. It’s a responsibility we all share. As consumers we can report suspicious activities, advocate for better laws, and support initiatives that aim to safeguard our digital lifeline.
Protecting telecommunications networks is about more than keeping our internet up and running. It’s about securing our way of life. Every business transaction, emergency call, online class, online meetings and events, family video chat depends on these cables.
So, what should we do when we witness cable theft in progress?
Prioritize your safety, don’t confront the thieves. Contact local authorities (barangay, local police) and provide detailed information. Alert the service providers thru these hotlines: (Globe Security Hotline) 0917-6888545 (nationwide), 0906 3244626 (Visayas) and 09177915794 (Mindanao) or Hotline 164 (PLDT) and, if safe, document the incident with photos or videos and share to authorities. Let us all spread awareness in your community to help fight cable thefts.
