By Jen Baylon

Five individuals were arrested for allegedly stealing telecommunication cables along Handumanan Access Road in Bacolod City’s Barangay Mansilingan around 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 17.

The arrested were identified as 49-year-old Freddie Jagocoy and 18-year-old John Lloyd Jagocoy, residents of Bago City’s Barangay Tabunan; 33-year-olds Rowel Baylon and Brendo Francisco of Quezon City; and 37-year-old Bryan Riano, a resident of Romblon province.

Police Station 7 said the suspects, claiming to be linemen, were spotted on the roadside using a dump truck.

They allegedly used access passes and working permits from a telecommunication contractor.

Authorities seized approximately P750,000 worth of telco cables from the suspects inside a lodging house in Barangay Taculing.

The suspects claimed they were only following orders and their operation was legitimate.

Authorities have raised the possibility that an organized group may be behind the incident./JB, WDJ