Two power thieves meted six years imprisonment

CEBU, Philippines – The Regional Trial Court has sentenced two electric thieves to suffer six years imprisonment after they were found guilty of illegal tapping.

Visayan Electric Company's corporate communications manager Ethel Natera identified those who were recently convicted for violation of Republic Act 7832 as Richard Milagrosa and Roberto Borja.

Milagrosa was sentenced by RTC Judge Sylva Aguirre-Paderanga to suffer the maximum six years penalty. Borja on the other hand was found guilty by RTC Judge Silvestre Maamo and was likewise meted the same penalty.

Natera said Milagrosa was arrested by a group of persons while installing illegal electrical connections to several houses inside the CRCI Compound in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City in October 7, 2006.

Borja was also arrested by the barangay tanods while doing illegal electrical connections in Alaska, Mambaling in November 11, 2008.

Republic Act 7832 provides that the persons convicted for violating its provisions shall be punished with an imprisonment of not more than six years and one day or a fine from P10,000 to P20,000 or both upon the discretion of the court.

Natera said since Borja failed to appear during the promulgation of his case, Maamo just issued a warrant of arrest for him and just entered the decision into the docket of the case.

It was learned that also this year, a certain Krasker Flores was also convicted by the court for the same offense.

Natera encouraged the public to help in the campaign against persons engaged in power pilferage. (FREEMAN)