SRP loses P2M worth of electrical materials

Close to P2 million worth of properties have been reported stolen from the South Reclamation Area as of November 14, according to an inventory report forwarded to the Theft and Robbery Section of the city police the other day.

Project engineer Nigel Paul Villarete, through his representative Felicito Josol, alleged that the items could have been stolen in separate instances because these were heavy.

Among the expensive items that were reported stolen is a circuit breaker panel board, which was supposed to be in the viaduct one of the reclamation area. The circuit breaker, which has a built-in magnetic contactor and grounding log costs P80,000.

A roll of stranded wire in different sizes, estimated to cost about P1.6 million, has also been reported stolen.

The total cost of all the items reported stolen, as reflected in the police records P1,828,511 but SRP officials said this could balloon to P2,582,769 if the labor cost and contingencies will also be considered.

Acting city director Melvin Gayotin yesterday said looting is expected in the facility because it is open to the public and all the police could do is double its security efforts in the area. He, however, said they cannot address this problem at present because they lack personnel.

At present, there are only eight policemen in the area who are divided into two teams designated to secure the facility in two shifts. Members of the Barangay Intelligence Network also help the policemen secure the facility. - Ryan P. Borinaga