The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) successfully intercepted two coordinated cable sabotage operations in southern Metro Manila at dawn on March 22, resulting in the arrest of eight suspects and the recovery of telecommunications assets worth ₱367,009.44.

The first incident occurred around 4:50 AM along West Service Road in Barangay Marcelo Green, Parañaque City, where five individuals were caught in the act of extracting and stripping underground copper cables.

Authorities recovered materials valued at over ₱201,000, along with cutting tools and a vehicle used in the operation.

Minutes later, a second operation was foiled in Barangay Ayala-Alabang, Muntinlupa City, where three suspects were intercepted while cutting an active PLDT line attached to a concrete post.

Seized from the scene were telecom equipment and tools worth approximately ₱165,790, including a closure unit, copper wire, and an Isuzu van used by the group.

Police said the near-simultaneous incidents indicate a coordinated effort to disrupt telecommunications infrastructure. Charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10515, or the Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013, along with theft charges, are being prepared against the suspects.

PMGEN Anthony A. Aberin stressed the seriousness of the offense, stating that such acts directly damage critical communication systems relied upon by the public, and assured that those caught will face immediate legal consequences.