In a concerted effort to tackle the growing issue of network equipment theft, PLDT Inc., in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, local government officials, and community stakeholders, has successfully arrested nearly 2,500 cable thieves over the past three years. This includes a significant 1,000 arrests made in 2024 alone.
Butch Jimenez, chief operating officer and network head at PLDT, emphasized the critical role of security in maintaining the integrity of their services. “Not a lot of people know this, but at PLDT, we spend a lot of man hours to secure our network,” Jimenez stated. “This is a big win for our security team—and we extend our gratitude to the PNP, and to our partners in the barangays and communities who have helped us catch these suspects.”
Theft and vandalism of network infrastructure, particularly copper cables, power cables, and batteries, remain one of the leading causes of internet downtime across the country. In response, PLDT has significantly ramped up its efforts to safeguard its services, with a focus on securing its physical infrastructure and ensuring that customers stay connected.
“We remain vigilant. We’re still implementing stronger physical security controls, surveillance measures, and rapid response strategies,” said Wilfredo F. Gonio, head of security central command and administration center at PLDT. “I’m proud of our teamwork, preparedness, and proactive security mindset—but we intend to do even better this year.”
As part of its ongoing commitment to improving customer service, Jimenez added that addressing the issue of network disruptions through theft is key to maintaining operational efficiency. “If we improve that, everything else follows. This helps us get closer to that goal,” he noted.
PLDT continues to work with multiple stakeholders, including its wireless arm Smart, to fortify security measures. One of their notable initiatives is PROTECTA Pilipinas, a public-private partnership aimed at reducing cybercrime, launched with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and other key organizations. Additionally, PLDT is collaborating with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to prevent accidental damage to fiber optic cables during road construction projects.
Citizens can help combat theft by reporting incidents through PLDT’s Hotline 164, providing essential details such as the date, time, location, and any relevant photos or landmarks.
With ongoing efforts to strengthen security, PLDT is determined to reduce the impact of cable theft and continue delivering reliable service to its customers.
