Manila, July 25 -- The Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 41 on Friday slapped a fine of PHP20,000 each against six individuals for violating Republic Act (RA) 7832, or the Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994.

Ordered to pay fines were Aldhazer Uding; Alrasid Ibnohasim; Basil Hamja; Abdurajak Pulalon; Adzhar Jumala; and Sattal Ababon, all residents of Barangay Mariki, this city.

The order was penned by RTC Branch 41 Judge Jules Christian Marcos.

"During the arraignment, all the accused voluntarily entered a plea of guilty," the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) said in a statement.

"Based on their plea, the court found all the accused guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and penali...