Sexagenarian nabbed for stealing electricity

A 63-YEAR-OLD man was arrested by security personnel of Negros Electric and Power Corp. (NEPC/Negros Power) for violation of Republic Act 7832 or the Anti-Pilferage Act in Purok Paraiso, Jesusa Heights Subdivision, Barangay Estefania, Bacolod City Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

Police identified the suspect as alias “Ray,” a resident of the said village.

Major Elmer Bonilla, Police Station 4 chief, said around 9:50 a.m., the team of NEPC was conducting a random inspection in Purok Paraiso, Barangay Estefania.

When the team approached the suspect to check their power meter, he said he went to their power meter and illegally interchanged the wiring of NEPC’s meter.

NEPC’s security personnel arrested the suspect and sought the assistance of Police Station 4.

Bonilla said the suspect is detained at the station’s custodial facility and will be charged for violation of RA 7832 or Anti Electricity Pilferage Act/Illegal Use of Electricity.

NEPC is a joint venture company between Primelectric Holdings Inc. (PHI) and Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco.)

It earlier announced that it will implement an amnesty program targeting at least 6,000 illegal electrical connections within the areas of the jurisdiction of Ceneco. (MAP)