JVR told: Form task force to check power pilferage

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Council has asked Mayor Johnny De los Reyes to form a task force to monitor compliance with the Anti-Pilferage and Electricity and Theft of Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Act of 1994.

The resolution sponsored by Councilor Danilo Caballero noted the rampant pilferage of electrical lights and wires at the South Road Properties.

"This is an alarming problem of the city considering the safety of the motorists and the traversing public during night time," Caballero said, adding that the city should establish its own task force to assist the Talisay City Police in watching the commission of this crime.

Section 3 (a) of Republic Act 7832 provides that it is declared unlawful for any person, whether natural or juridical, public or private, to cut, saw, slice, separate, slit, severe, smelt, or remove any power transmission line/material or meter from any tower, pole, any other installation or place of installation or any other place or site.

"The establishment of a special task force or committee under the Office of the City Mayor, provided in Republic Act 7832, will help actively monitor filed cases against offenders and craft necessary measures viable to effectively address this dilemma," the resolution read. —  Garry B. Lao (FREEMAN)