The Philippine National Police (PNP) is stepping up measures to improve the conviction rate for individuals involved in stealing electricity and damaging distribution infrastructure across the country.
PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed police commanders nationwide not only to safeguard power facilities, but also to build airtight cases that guarantee the prosecution of arrested suspects.
“The certainty of arrest and punishment is also a strong crime prevention measure because it sends a strong message that the rule of law always prevails. This is what we in the PNP are also focusing on matters pertaining to theft and pilferage of electricity,” Nartatez said.
While local police units continue to run aggressive operations against power theft, Nartatez highlighted that securing convictions—rather than just making arrests—remains the key focus.
The move follows a recent agreement signed between the PNP and a major electric utility provider, which aims to strengthen joint law enforcement efforts, information sharing, and operational coordination to safeguard power assets.
Nartatez underscored the necessity of protecting the country’s power grid due to its vital role in national development and daily public life. He warned that service interruptions severely impact households, schools, and commercial enterprises, particularly small and medium businesses that serve as the backbone of the economy.
“Protecting power distribution and other critical infrastructures is part of the PNP mandate, we will make sure that this mandate is observed down to the municipal and city levels,” Nartatez added.