Rampant cable-cutting incidents in Cebu, Bacolod, and Bohol make Globe restoration efforts in areas ravaged by Typhoon Odette more challenging to complete.
The strong tropical cyclone toppled cell sites in the Visayas region, many in Cebu. In addition, main lines and secondary backup lines were also compromised, including those in Bacolod and Bohol.
Globe is on its final phase of restoration and expects to reach 100% before the end of March. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous individuals have been hampering company activities by stealing copper cables used for telecom services.
“Even as our engineers and technical teams work relentlessly to bring services back to normal, this illegal activity of cutting and stealing cables adds up to the service areas we need to restore,” said Yoly Crisanto, SVP, Group Corporate Communications Officer.
Globe is working closely with barangay tanods and the Philippine National Police in the Visayas for its Bantay-Kable operations to address the problem.
“We are further strengthening our Bantay-Kable operations in the Visayas to deter theft from destroying our cables and hindering the delivery of services to our customers. Together with local authorities and barangay officials, we are going after them and making sure that they face the full force of the law,” said JojoViray, Globe’s Safety and Security Lead for Visayas Security Operations.
In the first three months of the year, the Globe Security Team arrested 30 individuals for stealing Globe copper cables in Cebu, Bacolod, and Bohol in coordination with local authorities. Minors caught in the operations were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
In 2021, 38 persons were arrested for the same illegal activity, while 11 remain at large. Globe has filed criminal cases against these individuals.
Meanwhile, 16 culprits, including third-party contractors of other networks and Globe field technicians, have been convicted for theft and sent to prison.
RA 8484 or the Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998 regulates the issuance and use of access devices, prohibits fraudulent acts committed against them, and provides necessary penalties.
“This deplorable act adversely impacts Globe’s operations and affects our customers who rely on connectivity to work, learn, and play. We seek public support to report cable theft incidents immediately,” said Viray.
Customers may report similar illegal activities through Globe’s Security Hotline 0906-3244626 or email bantaykable@globe.com.ph.
To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.
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