17 held for stealing cables in Las Piñas

MANILA, Philippines — Seventeen men were arrested on Saturday for allegedly attempting to steal underground copper cables in Las Piñas.

Security personnel of PLDT Inc. informed authorities at past 3 a.m. after noticing that the suspects were loading cable lines valued at P556,929.72 into a van in Barangay Talon Uno.

A PLDT specialist confirmed that the cable lines were part of the company’s underground network along Alabang-Zapote Road.

Recovered from the suspects were a yellow bolt cutter and three improvised steel hooks.

The suspects told police that someone recruited them with a promise to pay them P1,200 each in exchange for stealing the cable lines.

They are facing complaints for theft and violation of the Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act.