Three Suspects Apprehended in Liloan for Alleged Water Meter Theft from MCWD
In a significant crackdown on rising criminal activity, three individuals were arrested in Liloan City, northern Cebu, on suspicion of stealing water meters from the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD). This incident occurs against a backdrop of escalating water meter theft cases throughout Metro Cebu, highlighting a growing concern for public utilities and infrastructure security.
Details of the Arrest and Suspects Identified
Law enforcement officials have identified the suspects as Raymond Gomez, Roel Monesteryo, and Gerald Damiles. The arrest took place on April 11, 2026, in Purok Proper 1, Barangay San Vicente, where the individuals were allegedly caught in the act of removing two MCWD water meters. In addition to theft charges, Damiles faces a separate complaint for illegal possession of firearms after a .22 caliber revolver was confiscated from him during the apprehension.
MCWD's Firm Stance and Legal Actions
As the owner of the stolen meters, MCWD has issued a strong statement condemning the theft and announced plans to pursue legal action against the arrested individuals. The utility company emphasized that water meter theft not only disrupts service delivery but also poses serious health risks due to potential contamination of water lines, underscoring the broader implications of such crimes on community well-being.
Surge in Theft Incidents and Statistical Overview
According to MCWD data from March 1 to 24, 2026, a total of 141 incidents of water meter theft have been recorded across the region. Liloan leads with the highest number of cases at 84 incidents, followed by Consolacion with 39 cases. This alarming trend has prompted calls for enhanced security measures and stricter law enforcement to combat the issue effectively.
Community Involvement and Reward System
To bolster efforts in apprehending culprits, MCWD continues to offer financial incentives for information leading to arrests. The utility is providing a reward of P10,000 for tips that result in the capture of water meter thieves and P25,000 for information identifying buyers of stolen meters. The public is reminded that purchasing stolen water meters is a criminal offense under the Anti-Fencing Law of 1979, with potential imprisonment for violators.
Guidance for Affected Customers
For customers who have fallen victim to water meter theft, MCWD advises obtaining a police report that includes account details and meter information before visiting MCWD offices for replacement. This step ensures a smoother process in addressing service disruptions and reinforces the importance of official documentation in such cases.
