Globe Telecom Inc. is calling for stronger cooperation among communities, local government units, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) amid a rising wave of infrastructure theft targeting its facilities in South Luzon.
From 2025 to April 2026, the company recorded 216 incidents of theft across Laguna, Cavite, Oriental Mindoro, and Albay, involving the loss of critical components such as power cables, batteries, telecom equipment, generator fuel, grounding systems, and circuit breakers.
While the thefts directly affect physical assets, Globe warned that the broader impact extends to essential public services, disrupting internet connectivity, business operations, education systems, and government services that increasingly rely on stable digital infrastructure.
“These are not simple cases of property loss. Every stolen cable, battery, or network component can affect thousands of people who depend on reliable connectivity for education, livelihood, public services, and communication with loved ones,” said Adonis Evangelista, Globe’s general manager for South Luzon.
Data from the company showed Laguna had the highest number of incidents with 67 cases, followed by Cavite with 46 and Oriental Mindoro with 20. In Albay, Globe reported a sharp increase in theft cases involving cables, batteries, and equipment, with 2026 figures more than four times higher than the previous year—accounting for nearly half of all incidents in the province.
Globe said the trend underscores a growing threat to telecommunications infrastructure, which serves as the backbone of both public communication and emergency response systems, especially during disasters.
The company is urging residents, barangay officials, and community leaders to report suspicious activity near cell sites, cable routes, broadband cabinets, generators, and backup power facilities to authorities.
It emphasized that telecommunications infrastructure is classified as vital infrastructure, and interference, vandalism, or theft may result in criminal liability under the Revised Penal Code and Republic Act No. 10515, which penalizes unauthorized tampering with cable and internet systems.
To date, Globe has endorsed 53 cases to the PNP and said it continues to strengthen coordination with law enforcement agencies and local governments to improve investigation and prevention efforts.
Globe stressed that protecting network infrastructure is no longer solely a corporate concern but a public responsibility, as connectivity has become central to education, livelihoods, governance, and emergency communication.
“Connectivity has become a lifeline for communities. Protecting network infrastructure means protecting access to education, economic opportunities, public services, and emergency communications. This is a responsibility that requires the participation of everyone,” Evangelista said.