‘Only DICT chief has final say on signal shutdown’
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) forwarded to its central office in Manila the request of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to shut down cell sites of mobile phone companies during the Sinulog to prevent terrorist bomb attacks.
NTC 7 Director Jesus Laureno said he received yesterday the request signed by Police Regional Office (PRO) Director Noli Talino.
Laureno said only Secretary Rodolfo Salalima of the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) and President Rodrigo Duterte can decide whether to grant the PNP’s request or not.
Laureno said that during the procession of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila last Jan. 9, cellular sites were shut down with clearance from the DICT and Duterte.
He said even Malacañang officials were affected because they failed to use their mobile phones for the duration of the procession.
In case of emergency, Laureno said the medical teams, under the disaster councils of regions, provinces and city, may use radio communication systems.
However, Laureno said that even if the cell sites will be shut down, telephone landlines will remain operational in homes and offices.
“Landline is not included, only cell sites are affected. Dili affected ang wifi. Ang wifi nimo
kay it can be connected sa imong landline man. If you have a broadband connection on landline, there is no problem, ang ato
ra gyong cellphone. If you don’t have a cell phone, of course you can’t get data,” he told reporters.
Laureno said the PNP did not submit proof or indication that terrorists are planning a bomb attack during the Sinulog on Sunday, Jan. 15.
But he said they rely on the wisdom of the police authorities to make the recommendation because “public safety” cannot be compromised.
In case of emergency, medical teams under the disaster councils of regions, provinces and cities may use radio communication systems. NTC 7 Chief Laureno’s suggest in case the PNP’s proposal for a mobile signal shutdown will be approved.