MARAWI CITY — A joint forces of the Bangsamoro Telecommunications Commission (BTC), Globe Telecom Inc., Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Army, seized more than 50 prohibited cellular mobile repeaters and portable cell sites, commonly known as illegal signal boosters, in Lanao del Sur.
BTC Commissioner Muhammad Ameen Abbas led the initial operation and information campaign against the use of these banned devices which began February 9 in this city.
This is pursuant to National Telecommunications Commission’s Memorandum Order No. 01-02-2013 which prohibits the use of such devices that affect the services of major telecommunications provider in the country.
“Mahigpit na pinagbabawal ang selling or purchasing ng signal booster, nakasaad po doon (sa Memo Order) na bawal po tayong gumamit ng illegal booster,” said Abbas.
“Sa atin po sa BTC, may mga strategy po tayong gagawin kung gaano ba kadalas yung gagawin nating operation or inspection regarding the use of illegal repeaters,” he added.
The Commissioner also appealed to the Bangsamoro constituents to work together to solve the communications problem caused by illegal boosters.
Resident Ali Datuulama expressed his gratitude to the Bangsamoro Government’s response to the problem as it affects the majority, especially the students having their online classes.
“Kasi ako, may mga anak akong estudyante, may isa akong nurse, may highschool po ako, halos umiiyak ang mga bata pagka-gumagamit sila ng internet na hindi sila makaconnect,” said Datuulama.
Having weak or continuous loss of internet connection is a major problem not only to students attending virtual classes but also to other residents in need of communications services especially during emergency situations.
The Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army gave their commitment to continue eliminating the prohibited devices because it also affects their operations.
Staff Sergeant Gambae Palawan explained that even PNP’s online transactions such as issuance of police clearance is affected by this dilemma.
“Online po ang ating police clearance ngayon dito sa Lanao del Sur at nagkakaproblema yung mga mamamayan na kumukuha ng police clearance sapagkat walang linya dahil sa illegal na booster,” he further explained. (Alirahman Pangandaman/BIO)
