Malacañang on Monday issued a stern warning against those responsible for stealing essential components from Metro Manila’s flood pumping stations, describing the acts as sabotage that endangers lives and property.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro condemned the theft following reports from Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon that electrical wires connecting the generator and Meralco power supply at the Sunog Apog Pumping Station in Tondo, Manila, were stolen, crippling its operations during recent heavy rains.
“Sa lahat ng mga gumagawang pananabotahe na ito, kayo po ay hahabulin ng batas. Papanagutin po namin kayo dahil buhay at kabuhayan ang maaaring maapektuhan ng inyong mga makasariling gawain,” Castro warned, emphasizing that replacing specialized parts delays flood mitigation and drains government funds.
Castro added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. continues to actively monitor situation reports across Central Luzon and Metro Manila despite the National Heroes’ Day holiday. Cabinet officials, including Dizon and Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., have been deployed to hard-hit areas to oversee relief and response operations, with the President assuring the public that food and non-food supplies remain ample.