Police in Liloan have filed two counts of theft against three men accused of stealing water meters in Barangay San Vicente on April 11, 2026.
Authorities identified the suspects as Raymond Gomez, Roel Monesteryo, and Gerald Damiles. Police arrested them in Purok Proper 1 after they were allegedly caught taking two water meters owned by the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD).
Investigators said Damiles also faces a separate charge for illegal possession of firearm after officers reportedly recovered a .22 caliber revolver during the arrest.
MCWD will act as complainant in the theft case and has reiterated its push to prosecute those involved in water meter theft.
The arrests come as theft incidents involving MCWD equipment continue to rise across Metro Cebu, particularly in Liloan and Consolacion.
MCWD recorded 141 cases from March 1 to 24 alone, with Liloan logging 84 incidents and Consolacion 39.
The surge has prompted MCWD to ask the Philippine National Police to intensify visibility and enforcement operations.
MCWD officials and the Cebu Police Provincial Office met on April 14, 2026, to coordinate measures against the growing problem.
The water utility continues to offer rewards for information, including P10,000 for tips leading to arrests and P25,000 for identifying buyers of stolen meters. It also warned that purchasers may face charges under the Anti-Fencing Law of 1979.
MCWD said stolen meters disrupt water service and may expose households to contamination risks. It urged residents to report suspicious activity and to coordinate with authorities.
Customers affected by theft are advised to secure a police report with account and meter details before requesting replacement from MCWD offices.
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