Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have renewed their partnership to combat the theft and pilferage of power distribution facilities and materials within Meralco’s franchise area.

The partnership was reaffirmed through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 8, 2026 at the PNP headquarters in Camp BGen Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City.

The renewed agreement aims to strengthen law enforcement, coordinated investigations, and the stricter implementation of the Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act, or Republic Act No. 7832.

The law covers electricity theft, as well as the theft or tampering of electric transmission and distribution materials.

The signing was attended by Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho, Meralco First Vice President and Head of Facilities, Safety and Security Management Jerry B. Lao, PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, and PNP Acting Director for Investigation and Detective Management PBGEN Matthew P. Baccay.

Meralco said the partnership also seeks to develop more effective preventive measures and strengthen public awareness on the dangers and consequences of using stolen electric distribution facilities such as meters, cables, and wires.

The company said the collaboration is important in safeguarding both public safety and the reliability of electric service.

In 2025, Meralco said more than 5,000 illegal service connections were apprehended, while more than 13,000 tampered meters were replaced.

Illegal connections, stolen wires, and tampered meters can create safety hazards for communities while also affecting the integrity of the distribution system.

“We reaffirm our commitment to working hand in hand with the PNP to protect our communities and uphold the integrity of our power distribution system,” Aperocho said.

“This partnership reflects our shared resolve to promote public safety and ensure reliable electric service for our customers. As partners in nation-building, we will continue to support initiatives that help build safer, more secure, and more resilient communities,” he added.

Meralco is the largest electric power distribution company in the Philippines and operates within its franchise area covering Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

As Meralco and the PNP strengthen enforcement against electricity theft and facility pilferage, how can public awareness and coordinated investigations help protect both service reliability and community safety?

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