South Luzon, Philippines — A growing wave of cable and equipment theft is putting telecommunications services at risk across South Luzon, prompting Globe to call for stronger community vigilance and closer cooperation with local government units (LGUs) and law enforcement agencies.
From 2025 to April 2026, Globe recorded 216 cases involving the theft of critical telecommunications assets, including power cables, batteries, network equipment, generator fuel, grounding systems, generators, and circuit breakers in Laguna, Cavite, Oriental Mindoro, and Albay.
While the incidents may appear to be isolated acts of theft, Globe emphasized that the consequences extend far beyond damaged facilities. Stolen network components can trigger service interruptions that affect thousands of households, businesses, schools, government offices, and emergency response operations.
Reliable connectivity has become an essential service, enabling online learning, digital commerce, public service delivery, and real-time communication. When telecommunications infrastructure is compromised, entire communities can experience disruptions that impact daily life and economic activity.
“These are not simple cases of property loss. Every stolen cable, battery, or network component can affect thousands of people who depend on reliable connectivity for education, livelihood, public services, and communication with loved ones,” said Adonis Evangelista, Globe General Manager for South Luzon.
Laguna emerged as the most affected province, recording 67 incidents, followed by Cavite with 46 cases and Oriental Mindoro with 20. Globe also noted a concerning trend in Albay, where incidents involving cable, battery, and telecommunications equipment theft increased by more than 400 percent in 2026 compared to the previous year.
The spike in theft cases highlights the increasing vulnerability of network infrastructure and the need for stronger community-based protection measures.
To help curb these incidents, Globe is encouraging residents, barangay officials, and local leaders to promptly report suspicious activities around cell sites, fiber-optic cable routes, broadband cabinets, generators, and backup power facilities.
The company stressed that safeguarding telecommunications infrastructure is a shared responsibility, as these facilities serve as critical links that keep communities connected, informed, and safe.
Members of the public who witness suspicious activities or possible theft involving telecommunications equipment may report incidents through Globe’s Security Hotlines:
Globe Security Hotlines
- Nationwide: 0917 688 8545
- South Luzon: 0966 200 3600
Globe also reminded the public that telecommunications facilities are classified as critical infrastructure. Individuals caught stealing, vandalizing, or tampering with network equipment may face criminal prosecution under the Revised Penal Code and Republic Act No. 10515, which penalizes unauthorized interference with cable and internet facilities.
As part of its intensified efforts, Globe has already endorsed 53 theft-related cases to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and continues to strengthen partnerships with law enforcement agencies and local governments to improve monitoring, investigation, and prevention measures.
“Connectivity is now a lifeline that powers education, business, government services, and emergency communications. Protecting network infrastructure means protecting the communities that rely on these services every day,” Evangelista said.
Globe reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside authorities and local communities to secure critical telecommunications infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted access to reliable digital services throughout South Luzon.
