MARAWI CITY--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 the National Telecommunications Commission's Memorandum Order No. 01-02-2013 which prohibits the use of such devices that affect the services of major telecommunications providers 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. 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 said.

[Selling or purchasing signal boosters is strictly prohibited, it is stated there (in the Memo Order) that we are not allowed to use illegal boosters. For us at BTC, we have strategies for how often we will conduct operations or inspections regarding the use of illegal repeaters.]

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.

[I have a student, I have a nurse, I have a high school, the children almost cry when they use the internet but they can't connect.]

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 emergencies.

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 are 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. [Our police clearance is online now here in Lanao del Sur and the people who are securing police clearance are having problems because there is no line due to the illegal booster.] (BIO)