Palace orders tighter security amid theft of pumping station parts

This file photo shows the Tondo, Manila-based Sunog Apog Pumping Station, where high-voltage cables were previously reported stolen. (Courtesy: Presidential Communications Office)

Malacañang ordered the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to prevent the theft of components from pumping stations.

According to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro, the directive follows reports that components were being stolen from pumping stations, affecting their ability to operate.

The Palace official said the theft incidents were particularly concerning as the government works to rehabilitate pumping stations and improve Metro Manila’s ability to cope with heavy rainfall and flooding.

“This is saddening because the President, DPWH, MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority), and other agencies are doing everything possible to alleviate the flooding problem,” Castro said in Filipino.

“The President takes pride in the pumping stations that have been repaired and are now operational, which is one of the reasons why, even when rain is extremely heavy and continuous and causes flooding, floodwaters recede faster in some areas of Metro Manila,” she added.

The Palace official warned that the impact could be greater if replacement parts are not immediately available.

“We will have to spend again for these replacements… What if replacements cannot be obtained immediately? These cannot be repaired right away, which could again result in floodwaters receding slowly,” Castro said.

She appealed to Filipinos to cooperate in protecting public infrastructure intended to reduce flooding, while warning that those responsible for stealing or deliberately damaging pumping station components would face legal consequences.

“And to all those carrying out this sabotage, you will be pursued by the law. We will hold you accountable because lives and livelihoods could be affected by your selfish actions,” Castro concluded. — Charles Dantes