CIDG Catches 3 Individuals Engaging in Electric Meter Tampering
Three individuals were arrested Cavite for allegedly engaging in electric meter tampering in General Emilio Aguinaldo, Cavite.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit 4A and the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) conducted a joint operation to arrest the suspects. The operation took place in Sitio Cubao, Barangay Kabulusan, where authorities reportedly caught the suspects in the act of installing devices designed to manipulate electric meters.
According to investigators, the men were allegedly using resistor devices to alter the recorded power consumption of customers, allowing them to reduce their monthly electricity bills.
Authorities said the activity is a violation of Republic Act No. 7832, also known as the Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994, which penalizes electricity theft and other related offenses.
The operation stemmed from information received by Meralco regarding a group that was allegedly offering electric meter tampering services. Reports indicated that customers were being offered the service for a fee of P15,000.
The group was also reportedly promising clients that they could control or greatly reduce their monthly electricity charges through the illegal modification of power meters.
During the operation, authorities seized a suspected tampered electric meter, resistor devices, and other tools believed to have been used in the illegal activity. These items will serve as evidence in the cases that may be filed against the suspects.
CIDG officials emphasized that electric meter tampering does not only cause financial losses to power distributors. They warned that unauthorized modifications to electrical systems can also create serious safety hazards.
Faulty or illegally altered electrical connections may lead to fires, electric shocks, and other accidents that could put lives and properties at risk.
Authorities continue to remind the public to avoid participating in illegal electricity-related activities, no matter how attractive the promised savings may seem.
CIDG and Meralco are also encouraging residents to report suspicious activities involving illegal connections, jumper lines, flying connections, and meter tampering as part of their ongoing campaign against electricity theft and to help ensure public safety.
In a previous report, San Juan meter reader jailed over water meter tampering
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