Globe Telecom announced on Thursday that it is collaborating with other Philippine cable and telecommunications providers to combat rampant cable theft, which disrupts consumer connectivity.
According to Globe, the “Oplan Kontra Putol” is an industry-wide initiative aimed at informing the public about illegal cable-cutting.
According to the initiative, consumer education, the deployment of efficient security and patrolling systems, and collaboration with local authorities and government units are all part of it.
Perpetrators cut cables in order to steal and sell copper wires, with no regard for the consequences for consumers. All of the country’s telcos and internet service providers have launched anti-cable theft campaigns.
The group wants authorities to enforce Republic Act 10515, also known as the Cable Theft Act, which makes intentional cable cutting a crime. It also urged barangays and local governments to encourage constituents to report intentional cable cutting in their areas.
“This illegal act deprives our customers of the consistent internet and cable TV service they require for entertainment and information access, as well as disrupting connectivity required for work,” the Oplan Kontra Putol Consortium said in a statement.
“We condemn all illegal acts of intentional cable cutting and are confident that with everyone’s support and concerted efforts, we can and we will curb and prevent illegal cable-cutting to continue giving the best service our valued customers deserve,” the statement read.
Globe Metroworks ICT Construction Inc, Radius Telecoms, Inc, PLDT, Inc/Smart Communications, Inc, Streamtech Systems Technologies, Inc, Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association, Inc, and SKY Cable Corporation all signed the manifesto.
According to Globe, at least 785 cases have been reported in the Visayas alone as of July 2022.
So far, 281 people and third-party contractors have been charged with theft, qualified theft, robbery, anti-fencing law violations, malicious mischief, and violations of the Omnibus Election Code and the Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013.
“Through Bantay Kable, and now with Oplan Kontra Putol, we hope to help protect our country’s telecom infrastructure from these lawless elements,” said Ronald Uychutin, Globe Vice President for Safety and Security.
Cable cutting and theft incidents can be reported to Globe’s hotline number 0906-3244626 and the email address bantaykable@globe.com.ph.