Junk shop owners convene over growing problem on cable theft

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The local government here met with junk shop owners yesterday to discuss the growing problem of theft and sabotage of telecommunication companies’ internet cables in Bacolod City.

Atty. Pacifico Maghari III, city administrator, led the meeting held at the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) Session Hall at the Bacolod City Government Center.

The meeting was conducted to discuss the current situation and the negative impact of cable theft and sabotage on the city’s communication infrastructure.

It was also aimed at identifying the possible role of junk shop businesses in the purchase and sale of stolen cables and creating awareness about the legal consequences of dealing stolen goods and the responsibility of junk shop businesses to report suspicious transactions.

They have also discussed strategies for collaboration between junk shop businesses, telecommunication companies, and local authorities to mitigate the problem and safeguard the city’s communication infrastructure.

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has earlier warned persons to stop stealing cable wires as this affect businesses here.

In fact, the BCPO has already formed Oplan Bantay Kable to focus on tracking individuals who may have the intention to commit such violations.

A recent incident of cable theft was reported yesterday in Barangay Singcang-Airport where a man was caught in the act allegedly cutting a cable wire of a telecommunication firm.

Police recovered from the 38-year-old suspect a six-meter cable wire worth P13,000 and a hack saw. He is detained at Police Station 8.