Pamana Water in Dagupan City has alerted residents on the series of water meter theft incidents across several barangays since April 8, 2024, totaling 16 reported cases. 

Some victims initially thought they only lost water supply.

Investigation into the incidents is ongoing as of this writing.

Panama Water said they are collaborating with barangays for information dissemination.

Customers are urged to stay vigilant.

“Sa mga customer namin, sana magtulungan tayo. Maging vigilant tayo dito sa mga water meter, dahil hindi natin alam kung sino yung kumukuha, wala pa kaming information. Ang magagawa lang namin is inform kayo para kahit papaano [ay] makatulong [kami],” Glenn Gomez, Branch Manager of Panama Water in Dagupan City, said.

As a precaution, some residents have fortified their water meters with iron bars to prevent theft, despite the cost of installation exceeding P1,000.

Despite the high demand for water due to the hot season, Pamana Water assures residents of sufficient supply and maintains that water rates remain unchanged.

“Ang sinisiguro natin [sa ngayon ay] dapat walang breakdowns [at] walang busted pipes, so yun ang binabantayan na natin; dahil itong nangyayari, ito yung tinatawag natin na high demand because of the season,” Gomez said.