Stiffer penalties sought for PC, phone theft

A Philippine lawmaker has filed a bill urging Congress to impose higher penalties for theft or robbery of cellular phones and other portable communication gadgets. “Reports from law enforcement agencies show an alarming high incidence of thievery of these gadgets, especially cellular phones. We have to arrest this trend," said Rep. Maria Evita Arago (3rd District, Laguna), author of House Bill 5403. Portable communication gadgets include cellular phones, computers, two-way very high frequency (VHF) of ultra high frequency (UHF) radios and personal digital cameras, and other communication equipment. Arago said criminal activities involving modern equipment or gadgets, which sometimes have fatal consequences, must be prevented. “These equipment are easy to sell and fencing of these criminally acquired items is now commonplace," Arago said. At present, Arago said the existing penalties under the Revised Penal Code are insufficient to deter criminal activities of this nature and pose a threat to the personal security of the populace. “I believe that stiffer penalties will serve as deterrence to the commission of these offenses and will help promote justice and public order and safety," Arago said. The bill is now pending with the House Committee on Revision of Laws chaired by Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas. — Newsbytes.ph