Manila Standard Today, April 09, 2007
POWER pilferage is among the causes of fire especially in slum areas in Metro Manila, according to the Manila Electric Co.
Elpi Cuna, Meralco’s vice president for corporate communication, said that fire hazards are due to “wrong or illegal connection or wiring” which were employed to cut down on electricity bills.
He said that improvised installation result in a “short circuit” that could burn the electrical wiring in the house.
“We are trying very hard to bring down cases of power pilferage that contribute not only to system losses but possibly fire. Through such efforts, we are hoping that we will somehow be able to help further lower our customers’ electricity bills. This initiative is also part of Meralco’s campaign to ensure the safety of residents affected by the dangers of illegal connections.”
As a result of the company’s campaign against power pilferage, Cuna said seven violators were caught under Republic Act 7832 or the Anti-Electricity Pilferage Act.
“A case was already filed against these offenders and we’ll intensify our campaign against power pilferage,” he said.
Cuna said Reydante Pestańo, Melvin Katigbak, Maximiano de Castro, Serapio Masamol, Asutropel Amante, Danny Bidong and Peter Patano were arrested at the Cattleya Condominium at 141 R. Cruz St., Brgy. Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City.
In Saturday’s blaze in Mandaluyong City, arson investigators would not discount power theft as the source of fire which displaced about 2,000 families after at least 500 houses were gutted around 3 a.m.
