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PRO-7, NTC-7, Cebu City, telco execs meet on proposed shut down of cell sites during Sinulog
By Eddie Barrita

CEBU CITY, Jan. 12 (PNA) -- Officials of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) 7, the Cebu City Government and telecommunications companies met Thursday afternoon to discuss a proposal for a temporary shutdown of cell sites during the Sinulog activities this coming weekend.

These activities are the fluvial procession on Saturday morning, solemn procession of the Holy Image of the Senor Sto. Nino on Saturday afternoon and the Sinulog Grand Parade on Sunday.

Among those who attended the meeting were PRO Director Noli Talino, NTC 7 Director Jesus Laureno, Cebu City Council Dave Tumulak representing the Cebu City Government and representatives of telecommunications companies Globe Telecom and Smart.

They discussed, among others, the number of cell sites to be shut down and the duration of the shutdown.

Talino made the request for the temporary shutdown of some cell sites as a precautionary measure because most bombs are detonated through the use of cellphones.

Talino’s proposal got the support of telecommunications giant Smart Communications Inc.

In a statement, Smart public affairs head Mon Isberto said the company will follow instructions from authorities, specifically from the NTC.

Laureno said Talino’s request has been forwarded to the NTC central office in Manila.

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 President Duterte.

He said even Malacañang officials were affected because they failed to use their mobile phones for the duration of the procession.

But in case of emergency, Laureno said the medical teams, under the disaster councils of regions, provinces and city, may use radio communication systems.

Laureno also said telephone landlines will remain operational in homes and offices even if the cell sites will be shut down.

“Landline is not included, only cell sites are affected. There will still be wifi if you have a broadband connection on landline,” he said. (PNA)

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