Globe Telecom has reported a significant increase in battery thefts at its network facilities, which is posing a risk to backup power supply during natural disasters.
This alarming trend not only raises concerns about the immediate security of the telecommunication infrastructure but also poses a substantial risk to the reliability of backup power supply systems, particularly during critical periods such as natural disasters.
The theft of batteries compromises the network's ability to function seamlessly in times of emergencies, jeopardizing essential communication services that are crucial for coordinating disaster response efforts and ensuring public safety.
In the first half of 2023, there were 834 batteries stolen, more than double the number of cases in the whole of 2022.
The highest number of thefts occurred in Mindanao with 424 thefts, followed by Visayas with 363 thefts and the Greater Manila Area with 47 thefts. Some of which even took place during daylight hours. Batteries are essential during power outages, especially during natural disasters.
Consequently, addressing this escalating problem becomes imperative not only for the company's operational integrity but also for the broader community's resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges. Thus, Globe Telecom is collaborating with local authorities to conduct random inspections at their locations.
Globe Telecom’s Head of Network Field Maintenance for GMA, Mike Honig, expressed concern about the increasing incidents of battery theft, stating that they undermine the company's ability to maintain uninterrupted service, particularly during power outages.