Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have strengthened their long-standing partnership to intensify efforts against the theft and illegal use of power distribution facilities, a persistent threat that affects public safety and service reliability.
The renewed collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 8, 2026, at the PNP headquarters in Camp BGen Rafael T. Crame in Quezon City. Leading the signing were Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho and PNP Chief PGen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, together with Meralco First Vice President and Head of Facilities, Safety and Security Management Jerry B. Lao and PNP Acting Director for Investigation and Detective Management PBGen Matthew P. Baccay.
The agreement highlights the shared commitment of Meralco and the PNP to step up law enforcement operations, strengthen investigative coordination, and ensure stricter implementation of Republic Act No. 7832, or the Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act.
The two institutions also aim to enhance preventive measures and expand public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the dangers and legal consequences of using stolen electrical facilities and materials, including meters, cables, and wires.
For Meralco, protecting critical power infrastructure is essential to ensuring safe and reliable electricity service. The utility reported that in 2025 alone, it uncovered more than 5,000 illegal service connections and replaced over 13,000 tampered electric meters, underscoring the scale of power pilferage within its franchise area.
“We reaffirm our commitment to working hand in hand with the PNP to protect our communities and uphold the integrity of our power distribution system,” said Aperocho.
“This partnership reflects our shared resolve to promote public safety and ensure reliable electric service for our customers. As partners in nation-building, we will continue to support initiatives that help build safer, more secure, and more resilient communities,” he added.
With the renewed agreement, Meralco and the PNP are expected to further intensify operations against power theft while strengthening efforts to protect communities and preserve the integrity of the country’s power distribution network.