MCWD offers cash rewards against water meter thieves

CEBU, Philippines — The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) is ramping up efforts to combat the alarming rise in water meter theft, offering cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of thieves and buyers of stolen meters.

MCWD yesterday reported a sharp increase in theft incidents, with 174 cases recorded in May, more than triple in numbers reported in the same period last year.

In the first 10 days of June of this year alone, 116 more cases were already reported, highlighting the growing threat to consumers.

To address the issue, the MCWD is offering rewards to informants who help arrest these thieves.

“The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) is offering a reward of ?25,000 to any informant who can provide information leading to the arrest of individuals who buy stolen water meters, and another ?10,000 to those who can help in the arrest of a water meter thief,” the MCWD's statement read.

The water utility stated that water meter theft not only disrupts service but also poses serious health risks.

When a meter is stolen, the consumer’s water supply is automatically cut off, and the exposed pipe increases the risk of contamination.

MCWD has also appealed to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the community to help identify and apprehend suspects.

The water district has requested assistance from Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Director Redrico Maranan to address the surge in cases.

The MCWD Board of Directors has directed the management to develop an action plan and coordinate with law enforcement to track down thieves and fences.

Previously, MCWD has already filed cases against water meter thieves, resulting in convictions.

It will also file charges against individuals who buy stolen water meters, commonly known as fences.

MCWD said that the Anti-Fencing Law of 1979 “defines fencing as the act of any person who, with intent to gain for themselves or another, buys, possesses, keeps, acquires, conceals, sells, disposes of, or in any manner deals with any article, item, object, or anything of value which they know, or should know, to have been derived from the proceeds of robbery or theft.”

Fencing is punishable by prisión mayor or prisión correccional, depending on the value of the property involved accordingly.

The MCWD urged the public to remain vigilant and report water meter thefts immediately.

Reports can be made through the MCWD Call Center at 254-8434 local 0 or via its official Facebook page, Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), and Messenger.

Consumers whose meters have been stolen are also advised to report the incident to the nearest police station and secure a police report before requesting a replacement at the MCWD One-Stop Shop. — /JG (FREEMAN)