Globe seeks help of PNP, AFP on cell site attacks

Globe Telecom has sought the assistance of the Philippine National Police and the military to stop rampant assaults by lawless elements on its cell sites throughout the country.

In a letter to PNP chief Director General Arturo Lomibao and Armed Forces chief Gen. Generoso Senga, Globe Telecom said that in August alone, six of its cell sites were attacked by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas.

The month started with the attack on a Globe Telecom cell site in San Jacinto, Ticao Island in Masbate, followed by those in Tabun, Angeles City and Calumpit, Bulacan on Aug. 11 and 12, respectively.

The worst happened on Aug. 15 when Globe Telecom cell sites in Angono, Rizal; Lemery, Batangas; and Silang, Cavite were targeted on the same day.

Globe Telecom said these incidents caused heavy damage to its facilities in Calumpit, Lemery and Silang, resulting in service downtimes in these areas.

Services in Lemery and Silang were only brought back a day after the incident, while in Calumpit, restoration work was only completed after three days.

Although it remains vigilant in ensuring that the public continues to enjoy uninterrupted telecommunication services, Globe Telecom said its job is being hindered by the spate of violent attacks.

In its letter, the company said it is taking measures to protect its cell sites, but also needs assistance from the government, particularly the military, which is mandated to protect vital installations such as communications facilities.

"Globe Telecom likewise seeks your and the government’s help so that (we) can continue providing telecommunication services to the public, particularly in the rural areas, in line with the government’s universal access program re-affirmed and stated in Republic Act 7925," the company said.

Globe Telecom has 4,555 cell sites all over the country, a sizable number of which are in the provincial areas.