8,000 QC households hit by power outage due to foiled cable theft—Meralco

Around 8,000 households in Quezon City lost electricity after a man allegedly attempted to steal an electric cable.

According to Mariz Umali’s report on “24 Oras” on Monday, the 37-year-old suspect nearly suffered severe burns after trying to cut a power cable along North Diversion Road on January 4.

“Kasi nilalagare niya po yung power cable and then, yun nga, nagkaroon po ng flashover. Yung kanya pong tinutuntungang puno ay nahulog po yung suspect,” said Meralco Senior Vice President and Head of Network Froilan Savet.

(He was sawing through the power cable when a flashover occurred, causing him to fall from the tree.)

The report said the suspect was initially in critical condition but is now recovering.

Authorities have yet to notify the suspect’s family as he reportedly provided different addresses.

Barangay officials said the suspect will still face charges once he is discharged from the hospital.

“Mag-co-combine kami kung paano namin siya ipakukulong,” said Barangay Unang Sigaw Ex-O Ulysses Promentilla.

(We will coordinate on how to have him jailed.)

Meralco said the theft attempt disrupted two power circuits.

“Dalawang sirkito po ang apektado, yung isang circuit serving 6,000 customers at yung ikalawang sirkito naman po ay 2,000 customers for a total of 8,000,” Savet said.

(Two circuits were affected: one serving 6,000 customers and another serving 2,000 customers, for a total of 8,000.)

Power was restored to affected households within four hours, Meralco said.

In 2025, Meralco recorded 285 incidents involving theft of its facilities, including electric cables. Four cases resulted in accidents or physical injuries to suspects.

Customers may report similar incidents through 0920-971-6211, 0917-551-6211, or Meralco’s hotline 16211.

Meralco warned that stealing electrical facilities is prohibited under Republic Act No. 7832, or the Anti-Electricity Pilferage Act, which carries penalties of six to 12 years’ imprisonment and a fine of at least P50,000.

Meanwhile, Meralco announced that electricity rates will be lowered by 16.37 centavos this month, bringing the overall rate for a typical household to P12.9508 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) from P13.1145 per kWh in December.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/MCG, GMA Integrated News