Government, 3 telcos launch text advisory service

MANILA, Philippines -  The government has forged a partnership with three of the country’s largest telecommunications firms to launch a text service that will send official government advisories during disasters.

The text advisories will be sent “for free” from only one number – 1456 – by Smart/PLDT, Globe Telecommunications and Digitel Philippines. The Philippine Information Agency will craft the text of the alert or warning, then send it to the National Telecommunications Commission, which will request the three firms to send the message to their subscribers.

The service was launched to avoid panic over unverified statements and hoax messages.