Time for stronger action vs cable theft

The rise in cable theft across the Greater Manila Area (GMA) has reached a critical point, threatening the very backbone of modern life: connectivity. In the first half of 2024, Globe, one of the country’s leading telcos, reported a troubling 18.6% increase in cable theft cases in GMA, logging 906 incidents compared to 764 during the same period in 2023. This surge disrupts essential services for individuals, businesses, and even government agencies, making it clear that cable theft is no longer a petty crime— it’s a national problem that demands urgent attention. 

Connectivity has become as vital as electricity and water, yet it is being undermined by the actions of a few individuals driven by greed. In June alone, there were 169 reported cases of cable theft in GMA, with Quezon City, Las Piñas, Makati, and Manila standing out as hotspots. For every incident, hundreds of homes and businesses are left disconnected, leading to lost income, disrupted education, and reduced productivity. 

The Greater Manila Area is the economic heart of the Philippines, and frequent disruptions in internet service ripple across the country. In today’s world, where digitalization drives daily life, every cable cut means students miss online classes or can’t submit assignments on time. Those who rely on stable internet connections to earn a living face lost opportunities. Small online sellers, many of whom are building businesses from home, lose sales. Employees working remotely, who have become a backbone of the workforce during and after the pandemic, find their productivity slashed. Even leisure activities, such as entertainment streaming or gaming, come to a sudden halt. 

Cable theft also affects more critical functions— transactions at banks, government offices, and hospitals often rely on constant, stable connectivity. When that connection is severed, everything from healthcare services to financial systems can come to a standstill. 

For businesses, the effects are especially disastrous. Imagine the implications for a small or medium enterprise that relies heavily on e-commerce and online transactions—downtime caused by an intentional cable cut can result in the loss of customers and revenue. 

But this is not just a problem for corporations or urban dwellers. In rural areas, where internet connectivity can be even more precious, fiber cuts mean students are cut off from their classes, farmers can’t access online marketplaces, and health services are delayed. The ripple effect is long-lasting, touching every aspect of community life.

The challenge, however, is that telcos cannot solve this problem alone. What we are witnessing is a crime wave that requires a unified response from government, law enforcement, and the public. Globe’s call for closer collaboration with local government units (LGUs), the police, and national agencies is timely, but it must be met with action. Law enforcement must treat cable theft as the serious crime it is, and the legal system must ensure that those who commit these acts face consequences. 

There’s also a role for the public to play. Thieves operate in plain sight in our communities, yet too often they go unreported. Every cut cable disrupts not just a faceless corporation but neighbors, schools, and small businesses. Communities must remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to barangay officials and local police. Globe has made repeated calls for public vigilance, and it’s time we heed them. 

The numbers speak for themselves. With 1,472 cable theft incidents logged nationwide in the first half of 2024, the problem is not limited to one region. Visayas, Southern Luzon, Northern Luzon, and Mindanao are also grappling with cable theft, adding to the nationwide tally of disruptions. 

While telcos like Globe continue to invest heavily in expanding and improving the country’s network infrastructure, their efforts are being sabotaged by a small but destructive group. It’s time for government authorities to step in with stricter penalties and for law enforcement to take cable theft seriously. This isn’t just about protecting infrastructure; it’s about securing the lifeline of our modern society. 

It bears emphasizing: cable cuts derail the advancement of the government’s digitalization agenda, counteracting progress on instituting reforms towards easing business transactions, cutting red tape, and making the benefits of technology accessible to more Filipinos. 

We need action, and we need it now. For the sake of the millions who depend on a reliable connection to work, learn, and communicate, this crime wave must end. Cable theft is no longer just a corporate concern; it’s a national crisis that affects every Filipino.