Capelco assures no power cut despite BAPA collector’s unpaid remittance

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Capiz Electric Cooperative (Capelco) General Manager Engr. Edgar Diaz has assured residents of Barangay East Villaflores, Maayon, Capiz, that there will be no power disconnection despite unpaid collections by Barangay Power Association (BAPA) collector Maricel Felipe.

Felipe claimed she was robbed by two unidentified suspects on Dec. 5, 2025, in Sitio Silab, Barangay Batabat, while on her way to remit electric bill payments to the Capelco office.

Diaz said Capelco extended consideration to affected consumers following Felipe’s report of the robbery.

He explained that BAPA collectors assume risks as part of their role, especially in remote areas, based on the existing memorandum of agreement.

According to an inventory of receivables, BAPA’s accountability for November 2025 was PHP 229,512.78, after deductions for unissued invoices, cash on hand, and other items. A shortage of PHP 103,579.90 remains.

Capelco is coordinating with the BAPA collector as part of its audit.

Diaz said that even before the reported holdup, Capelco had issued a 48-hour notice to Felipe, directing her to resolve the discrepancy in her collections.

He said the amounts Felipe collected did not match Capelco’s official records of payments, prompting further verification.

Police are also investigating the alleged robbery involving Felipe and her husband, alias “Dodoy,” who were riding a motorcycle when they were reportedly held up by two masked men on another motorcycle.

The suspects, wearing jackets and bonnets, allegedly blocked the couple’s path and declared a holdup.

They reportedly took a bag containing PHP 100,000, including PHP 14,000 of the couple’s personal money, before fleeing in an unknown direction.

Maayon police chief Capt. Danilo Lauron said investigators are still verifying the couple’s claims and pursuing leads to identify the suspects.

Daily Guardian attempted to reach Felipe for comment, but she was unavailable as of press time.