The six men were arrested after they were caught stealing internet cable worth P198,000 in Barangay 71, Caloocan City early Wednesday morning. According to PLt. Alexander Sales of Caloocan Police Sub Station 3, they received a report from a concerned citizen that men were cutting cables in the sewer on Rizal Avenue.
The police caught the suspects while they were loading 45 pieces of cut cables into the delivery vehicle. The men were reportedly unable to show a permit, so they were immediately arrested. Two bolt cutters and ropes that they used to remove the cables were also recovered from them.
One of those arrested was a 16-year-old, who was immediately taken to the youth center as part of the Children-in-Conflict-with-the-Law (CICL) program. Also arrested were the two drivers of the delivery van used in the crime. They defended themselves, saying they were just caught up in the incident and did not know the full situation.
According to the suspects, an unknown man ordered them to cut and install the cable in exchange for a payment of up to P500. They admitted that they knew what they were doing, but they were forced to do it because of the need for money.
Currently, the investigation is underway to determine whether the group is related to other incidents of cable theft in the same area in April. The suspects are now in police custody and will face charges of theft and violation of the Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013.
