P500T worth of PLDT wires stolen in Talisay

The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company expressed fears over the unabated pilferage of its properties in Talisay City, reporting that over half-million pesos worth of wires were stolen last year in some barangays of the city.

In a report submitted to Vice Mayor Aberdovey Belleza, PLDT said that it recorded at least 19 cases of wire pilferage from January 2005 to this month. The incidents cost P547,672 for the firm.

The latest two incidents, which were reported by the Talisay City police early this month, involved the stealing of more than P50,000 worth of PLDT wires installed in different areas of the city.

According to the firm, the biggest pilferage occurred in November when it lost P163,003 worth of wires to thieves in five incidents.

PLDT area manager Leo Saberon said he feared that the unabated pilferage would drive businessmen out of the city. Although no arrest has been made, Saberon asked the city government to help secure their wires installed within the city.

Belleza, who chairs the City Council committee on peace and order, told The Freeman that he would meet with barangay officials to create moves to solve the matter.

Barangay Lawaan III tops the list of PLDT wires pilferage with six cases followed by barangays Lagtang and Lawaan II with three cases each. Barangay Kimba has two cases while five other barangays have one reported case each.

Belleza, however, explained that since the city lacks policemen, he would tap barangay officials to secure the PLDT wires installed in their areas.

The vice mayor added that the series of wire pilferage, which had affected over 2,000 PLDT lines in the city, could drive away local investment. - Liv G. Campo