Arlene Valdez-Hepiga, speaking for Cotabato Light, said the power utility would run after those who tamper with, mutilate and steal power from Cotabato Light, a violation of Republic Act 7832 or the Anti-Electric Transmission Lines, Materials Pilferage Act of 1994.As of April 2021, a total of 97 violators have been apprehended. Aside from being made to pay the amount of the stolen electricity, violators also face criminal charges in court.
“Pilferage is a crime. It causes power interruption and exposes lives to the hazards of a possible fire,” Hepiga said as she appealed to power consumers to refrain from committing the illegal act.