6 arrested over water supply pilferage in Baseco, Manila

Six men were arrested by operatives from Manila Police District, after getting involved in three separate incidents of alleged water pilferage in some areas in Baseco, Manila. 

The illegal connections have reportedly affected legitimate water consumers in the community, with some residents experiencing weak water pressure and an unreliable water supply.

Juhria Pulalon, one of the residents in the area, said the community has long struggled with poor water supply, but the situation has worsened because of illegal connections installed by the suspects along the main water pipelines.

“Sobrang hirap gaya sa akin may mga anak ako nagaaral sila lahat. Tuwing Sabado at Linggo pumipila kami kung saang may tubig para lang makaigib kami ng tubig. Sobrang hirap po talaga kaya sana magkaroon na kami ng tubig na maayos,” Pulalon said.

Police and barangay officials arrested the six men in three separate incidents which occurred last November 3 and November 5.

According to authorities, the suspects would enter the village or barangay’s manholes and crawl through its drainage system to reach the main water pipelines.

They would then puncture the main pipes and install smaller pipes to supply water to their alleged clients.

 The suspects reportedly charged an initial payment of P5,000 to P10,000 for each illegal connection. 

 The holes made in the main pipelines caused water leaks, reducing water pressure and supply for legitimate consumers who regularly pay their monthly water bills.

Baseco Police Station Commander PLt. Col. Rommel Anicete said they launched operations after Maynilad informed them about damaged main pipelines in the area.

Anicete said police had already conducted a major operation against illegal water connections in 2025, resulting in several arrests. However, similar incidents resurfaced in 2026, even as Maynilad continued working on its pipeline infrastructure.

“Malalaki kasi ang drainage dito sa Baseco. Nakakapunta sila doon sa ilalim, nakakagapang sila tapos gagapangin nila yung pipeline,” Anicete said, explaining how the suspects allegedly accessed the water lines.

Police recovered several tools believed to have been used in the illegal installations, including pipe cutters, hammers, and a compressor.

Authorities also confiscated a pen gun, a pillbox bomb, an airsoft pistol, and other weapons from the suspects.

One of the arrested men declined to discuss the allegations, saying, “Sa korte na lang po kami magpapaliwanag.”

Police said they have coordinated with Maynilad and barangay officials regarding the filing of appropriate charges against the suspects.

The six suspects remain detained at the Baseco Police Station and are facing complaints for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, illegal possession of explosives, and violations of the National Water Crisis Act of 1995.