Meralco is gaining a new ally in its campaign against the theft of electricity infrastructure, with the country’s scrap collectors and recyclers moving to help keep stolen utility materials out of the recycling market.
The Scrap Collectors and Recyclers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (SCRAP) has expressed support for the Manila Electric Company’s anti-pilferage drive, pledging to strengthen screening practices and increase vigilance among industry players.
Led by SCRAP President John Hung, the association said it intends to improve measures for identifying suspicious materials and preventing stolen electrical equipment and other utility assets from being bought or sold through legitimate scrap businesses.
The initiative could help close a potential outlet for stolen utility materials while strengthening efforts to protect critical electricity infrastructure.
Meralco has repeatedly warned that the theft of distribution facilities and materials goes beyond financial losses. Missing or damaged equipment can disrupt electricity service, compromise the reliability of the distribution network and create serious safety hazards for communities.
Meralco Senior Vice President and Head of Networks Froilan J. Savet, First Vice President and Head of Facilities, Safety and Security Management Jerry B. Lao, and Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga welcomed SCRAP’s support during a recent meeting with the industry group.
The two sides discussed Meralco’s continuing anti-pilferage campaign as well as opportunities to strengthen cooperation with scrap collectors and recyclers in identifying and stopping the illegal trade in stolen utility materials.
The partnership underscores the importance of tackling infrastructure theft not only at the point where materials are stolen, but also by making it more difficult for thieves to find buyers.
Moving forward, Meralco and SCRAP plan to encourage wider participation across the scrap and recycling industry in efforts to detect suspicious transactions and prevent stolen electrical materials from entering legitimate recycling channels.
The collaboration is also expected to reinforce responsible business practices within the scrap industry while supporting Meralco’s broader campaign to safeguard electricity infrastructure, maintain reliable power service and protect the public from hazards associated with the theft and tampering of electrical facilities.