Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are strengthening their partnership to curb electricity theft and the pilferage of electrical distribution equipment, as both institutions seek to protect the reliability of the power network and reduce system losses.
The Manuel V. Pangilinan-led utility said it recently met with PNP officials to intensify joint initiatives against incidents involving stolen electric meters, wires, and other distribution facilities and materials.
The renewed collaboration is aimed at improving coordination between Meralco and law enforcement authorities in detecting, preventing, and responding to electricity theft and related crimes that can disrupt power service and compromise public safety.
Representing the PNP during the meeting were PCOL. Joseph Adelbert A. Aliño, PCOL. Laudemer N. Llaneta, and PBGEN. Manuel J. Abrugena. Meralco was represented by Senior Vice President and Head of Networks Froilan J. Savet, Revenue Assurance and Metering Services Head Marvin G. Gonsalves, and Central Distribution Services Head Jason B. Calsas.
Beyond enforcement, the two sides are also exploring technical training opportunities for PNP electrical engineers and electricians. The proposed training is expected to strengthen police personnel’s technical capabilities in handling incidents involving electrical facilities and equipment.
Savet said Meralco continues to intensify efforts against the theft and illegal use of electricity distribution materials, particularly as part of its broader campaign to reduce non-technical system losses.
Such losses can stem from electricity pilferage, tampering, illegal connections, and other unauthorized activities that affect the efficiency and integrity of the distribution network.
The partnership also covers the protection of critical electrical infrastructure, helping Meralco safeguard facilities that are essential to maintaining safe and reliable power service across its franchise area.
For its part, the PNP thanked Meralco for its continued technical assistance in ensuring that power distribution facilities serving police camps remain properly maintained and reliable.
The closer cooperation underscores the broader role of utilities and law enforcement agencies in protecting infrastructure from theft, vandalism, and illegal connections that can pose safety risks and lead to service disruptions.
Meralco said it remains committed to working with the PNP and other government agencies to strengthen public safety, protect electrical facilities, and preserve the reliability and integrity of electricity service.