Telco lauds PNP for capture of battery thieves

SMART lauded La Trinidad’s finest for the successful arrest of three suspects behind the robbery of batteries used as backup power for the company’s cell site in town.

Smart’s External Relations head Jose Rosete said, "The suspects were apprehended last September 6 at the Pico Junk Shop allegedly owned by a certain Helen Islam in Km 4, La Trinidad while trying to sell the stolen batteries at P1,000 pesos each while on board an FX service taxi with plate number AYG-927 owned by a certain Norbert Cayatoc.”

A brand new battery costs P15,000 pesos.

The suspects were identified as Anderson Labisen Bag-ayan, a 21-year-old native of Mankayan Benguet; Luncio Salvador Dosalan, 19, native of Bauco Mt. Province; and Herovon Ugalde Culo of Bagulin La Union.

All are presently detained at the La Trinidad Municipal Police Office.

"We installed these batteries to guarantee the continuity of wireless communication services when there is a loss of local electrical power. What if this happened during a typhoon and there was a loss of commercial electric power? Wireless communications has proven to be a lifeline during numerous natural disasters,” the telecom head said.

The coverage of a cell site varies depending on a number of elements such as the frequency being utilized, terrain and the height of a tower. A cell site located in a specific area has been optimized so it provides the best wireless communication experience possible.

The telecom giant is experiencing similar robberies in Northern Luzon particularly in the provinces of Pangasinan, La Union and Ilocos.

“Wireless communications is public utility. This is we have always been coordinating with the local law enforcement authorities regarding the safety and security of our cell sites nationwide. It is for this reason why we would like to thank the Philippine National Police Benguet Provincial Office for their dedication and service,” Rosete said.

He also called on the support of communities hosting cell sites to report to authorities if they encounter suspicious activities and individuals within these areas. "The communities hosting all types of communications facilities in their areas should develop a certain level of responsibility since they are dependent on these assets."

Meanwhile, Benguet Provincial Police Senior Superintendent Benjamin Lusad assured the telecom giant of their continued coordination with the different hosts of cell sites in the province to prevent similar incidents from happening to ensure the continuous service of the telecommunications leader.

Lusad sees the vital importance of communication especially in peace and order, police operations and the implementation of disaster management operation of Benguet's finest. (Jonathan LLanes)