Gerry Caño, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD), has raised concerns about the surge in water meter thefts across the city.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo, Caño revealed that from January to April this year, nearly 400 water meters have been stolen, with more than 70 cases recorded in April alone.
He noted that most incidents occurred in the first district, particularly in the barangays of Carmen, Swaga, and Patag, where theft cases continue to rise.
To address the issue, COWD has coordinated with the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office to monitor junkshops suspected of buying stolen water meters.
Caño emphasized that purchasing stolen water meters constitutes a violation of the Anti-Fencing Law and could serve as grounds for criminal charges against junkshop owners.
He urged barangay officials and the police to work together in raising awareness and strengthening vigilance to curb the ongoing theft problem in the city.
