Manila: Telecommunications company (telco) PLDT has announced a decline in cable and telco equipment theft throughout most of 2025, attributing the decrease to enhanced partnerships with local government units (LGUs), police, and communities nationwide.
According to Philippines News Agency, PLDT and its wireless subsidiary, Smart (PLDT-Smart), have emphasized their collaboration with barangays through the intensified rollout of the asset protection project known as ‘Bayanihan.’ This initiative has seen PLDT-Smart’s Asset Protection and Security Governance (APSRG) group engage in collaboration sessions with barangays in various cities, including Makati, Dagupan, Davao City, Liloan, Calamba, General Santos, Quezon City, Rodriguez in Rizal, Pasay, Cagayan de Oro, and Dasmarinas, Cavite in 2025.
Leo Gonzales, PLDT-Smart vice president and head of property, noted the importance of involving communities in protecting network infrastructure. He stated that safeguarding equipment from theft ensures uninterrupted connectivity for customers, emphasizing the role of local leaders and residents in maintaining accessible and reliable digital services for Filipinos.
Retired Col. Romeo Basco, head of PLDT-Smart Security and Central Command, highlighted the significant impact of these partnerships. He pointed out that active monitoring and reporting by barangays and local authorities facilitate faster response and prevent larger disruptions, fostering a shared responsibility to protect vital infrastructure.
In 2024, PLDT-Smart recorded nearly 1,000 incidents of loss, predominantly involving copper cables, with thefts occurring as frequently as every three days in certain areas of Manila. Since then, there has been a 34 percent reduction in apprehension incidents and a 24 percent decrease in apprehended suspects from January to November this year, compared to the same period last year. These results underscore the effectiveness of the group’s strengthened security measures, marking a critical milestone in their mission to curb losses, maintain service reliability, and uphold public trust.
