In Talisay City three MCWD meters lost in span of 24 hrs

CEBU, Philippines - At least three water meters owned by Metropolitan Cebu Water District were stolen in Talisay City within about 24 hours yesterday.

Based on the blotter at the Talisay City Police Station, the latest incident occurred at the house of Paul Benjamin Abal, 42, around 5 a.m. yesterday in Uldog Street, Barangay Poblacion.

A hour before that, an MCWD water in Cabalan Steet of the same barangay was also stolen. Joseph Sarmiento Miranda, 31, reported the incident to the police early yesterday morning.

Last Friday, Justy Rehab Arañez, 31, also went to the police to complain of the same lost item.

PO1 Paula Lumakang, TCPS desk officer, said they always receive complaints of stolen water meters in different barangays, hence they advise the public to use steel bars or any solid protection to secure water meters.

MCWD water meters can be sold to junk shops because of their valuable metal composition.

The incidents of loss in Talisay City have been going on since 2008, prompting the Talisay City Council to pass an ordinance penalizing junk shop owners who are caught red-handed buying stolen water meters.

For its part, MCWD has also dangled a P10,000 reward to anyone who can give information that will lead to the arrest of the thieves, as well as P25,000 to the buyer of the stolen meter.  (FREEMAN)