Smart, Globe offer free mobile services to Marawi subscribers

Telecommunications giants Smart Communications Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc. are providing mobile services to subscribers affected by the ongoing conflict in Marawi City.

In a statement issued over the weekend, Smart, PLDT Inc.’s wireless unit, said it has started providing free calls and text messaging service to Smart, Talk N Text (TNT) and Sun subscribers in Marawi. The free mobile services are valid for 15 days. Eligible Smart, TNT and Sun subscribers will receive a notification informing them how they can avail themselves of the free services.

“We realize that mobile communication serves as a vital lifeline in disaster and crisis situations. By providing our special service to those affected by the ongoing conflict in Marawi, we enable our brothers and sisters to reconnect with their loved ones and draw strength from each other in these trying times,” PLDT Inc. and Smart public affairs head Ramon Isberto said.

Apart from free calls and text services, the PLDT group is also extending assistance to those affected by the Marawi conflict in neighboring areas.

In particular, it has set up Libreng Tawag stations at evacuation centers in Iligan City, and provided assistance in distributing relief goods and personal hygiene kits at evacuation centers in Lanao del Norte.

It has also donated P2 million worth of mobile services to soldiers deployed in Marawi, and has teamed up with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to provide communications support to civil military operations and rescue groups.

In addition, the group is providing internet connectivity at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Operations Center in Iligan City.

Globe has also announced that it is providing free call and text messaging services for 15 days to Globe and Touch Mobile TM subscribers in Marawi.

A text message will be sent to Globe and TM prepaid customers in Marawi to inform them about the free service.

Globe president and chief executive officer Ernest Cu said the telco may extend the period of free call and text services, depending on the situation on the ground.

“Communication is of extreme importance in any instance of disaster, may it be natural or manmade. As a telecommunications company with a purpose of treating people right, Globe fully supports the AFP and (the Department of Information and Communications Technology) in extending assistance to our fellow Filipinos who are experiencing these challenges by reconnecting them with their families and helping make the situation a little easier to bear,” Cu said.

Aside from loading stations, Globe has also put up various Libreng Tawag and charging stations across Iligan to cater to Marawi evacuees.