The Baguio Water District (BWD) is calling on customers and the general public to remain vigilant following a series of water meter theft reported in different parts of Baguio City.
Based on BWD records, at least 25 incidents were recorded from February to July 2026. A separate incident involving stolen water meter fittings was also recorded during the period.
The number of recorded incidents increased in recent months, with eight cases recorded in July and seven in June, prompting BWD to renew its appeal for public vigilance and cooperation in protecting water appurtenances.
BWD General Manager Engr. Salvador Royeca expressed concern over the incidents, noting that water meter theft disrupts service to affected customers and diverts resources that could otherwise be used for water supply improvements.
“Every stolen or damaged water meter has to be replaced to restore service to the affected customer. These are resources that could have been put toward projects and programs that improve water service for the community,” Royeca said.
To help address the problem, BWD is strengthening coordination with law enforcement agencies, barangay officials, and junk shop operators in Baguio City and the neighboring municipality of La Trinidad, Benguet.
The water utility is likewise urging customers to know the location of their water meters, regularly check and monitor them, and remain alert for suspicious individuals, particularly those attempting to remove meters without proper identification or authorization.
BWD water meters bear identifying markings that can help establish ownership and identify stolen units while the public is strongly advised not to purchase used water meters from unauthorized individuals or sellers, as these may have been illegally obtained.
Furthermore, BWD warns junk shop operators and other buyers of scrap materials against purchasing, receiving, or accepting water meters suspected to have been stolen and urges operators to exercise due diligence and immediately report individuals attempting to sell BWD water meters, meter fittings, or other suspected stolen water facilities.
Under Presidential Decree No. 1612, or the Anti-Fencing Law of 1979, persons who knowingly buy, receive, possess, sell, or otherwise deal in property obtained through robbery or theft may be held criminally liable.
BWD also reminds customers that the removal or pull-out of water meters may only be undertaken by authorized District personnel following established procedures.
Authorized personnel must present an official BWD identification card and the corresponding job order, with the work properly acknowledged by the customer or their authorized representative.
The public is also encouraged to immediately report suspicious individuals attempting to remove, sell, or dispose of water meters, fittings, and other BWD facilities.
BWD added protecting water facilities is a shared responsibility. Through the vigilance and cooperation of the community and all stakeholders, BWD hopes to prevent further incidents and ensure that resources intended for water service improvements continue to benefit the public.
For reports and inquiries, customers may contact the Baguio Water District through its official communication channels and 24/7 hotline numbers: (074) 442-3218, (074) 442-4929, 0908-865-1504, and 0917-679-4929, or message BWD through Facebook at @baguiowaterdistrict. NLMonitor
