Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT), its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), along with other members of the National Telecommunications Security Council (NTSC) are joining forces with the Philippine National Police in enhancing the security of telco infrastructure across the country.

"It is unfortunate that we face challenges such as theft and vandalism incidents targeting telco assets. These criminal activities not only interrupt the smooth operation of our networks, but also negatively impact the lives of our citizens who rely on these services," said PNP Chief Gen Benjamin Acorda, adding that the PNP stands united with the sector in addressing these concerns.

"Overall, this will be the start of a closer collaboration between the NTSC and PNP in solving the problems being faced by telecommunications companies nationwide in terms of theft, vandalism, sabotage, and other threats," said Wilfredo Gonio, PLDT Head of Security Central Command and Admin and NTSC chair.

The NTSC is an industry-wide alliance of Corporate Security Professionals from the country’s major telecommunications companies for the mutual protection of telco infrastructure nationwide, organized by the PLDT Asset Protection and Security Risk Governance (APSRG) team in June 2021.  

In a courtesy call with the PNP Chief, the NTSC said that it is looking forward to collaborating more closely with the PNP, especially in curtailing theft and vandalism incidents on telco assets nationwide. 

Among the issues raised by NTSC members during the visit was the rampant theft of telco equipment, such as copper wires and batteries, which are later sold to junk shops, thereby causing millions in losses to telcos.

Gen Acorda, meanwhile, highlighted the vital role that the telco sector plays in the country's progress and development, citing the sector's ability to connect people, enable commerce, and facilitate the smooth functioning of various critical services. "We are ready to collaborate at developing strategies and implementing measures to counteract them effectively. I believe that by joining forces we can create a formidable defense against those who seek to compromise the stability and reliability of our telco networks," the PNP chief said.  

Acorda further hailed NTSC's plans to organize regional telco security forums in the various regional police offices and promised the PNP's help in facilitating easy coordination at the regional and provincial level. "These forums will serve as invaluable platforms for sharing knowledge and best practices and experiences in the field of telco security. I support this initiative as it will strengthen the coordination and cooperation between the NTSC and PNP, enhancing our collective ability to protect our telco assets," Gen Acorda said.

PNP and the NTSC are also eyeing enhanced coordination and cooperation between the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the NTSC during loss prevention operations.

The NTSC National Officers were composed of: Wilfredo Gonio (PLDT) - NTSC Chairman; Atty Oliver Carlos Odulio, Head of PLDT APSRG and NTSC Vice-Chairman;  Romeo Basco, Security Director of Dito Telecommunity and NTSC Vice-Chairman; Ramiro Manuel Rey, Security Director of Converge ICT Solutions and NTSC Vice-Chairman; Gerardo Basada, Security Director of Sky Cable and NTSC Vice-Chairman; and Gerald Bechayda, Security Manager for Globe Telecoms; and Anna Carmela Adriano of PLDT’s APSRG, the NTSC Secretary.

Others present were: Leonard Gonzales, Head of Property and Facilities Management of PLDT; Jimmy Hidalgo, Deputy Security Director of Dito Telecommunity; Leodovico Bungubung, VP for Security of ABS-CBN; Jose Carlos Oliver, Head of PLDT’s Asset Protection Operations; Willie Antalan, PLDT’s Head of Asset Protection Division for Greater Metro Manila North area; Lorenzo Elicanal Jr, Head of PLDT APSRG’s Command Center and Security Systems Division; Noel Historillo, Security Manager of Converge ICT Solutions; and Delbert Santos, Safety Manager of Sky Cable.

PLDT and Smart's stepped-up asset protection initiatives and support for an industry-wide approach to securing telco infrastructure are aligned with the focus areas of the government-mandated Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC)'s Digital Infrastructure pillar. These also reinforce PLDT’s commitment to its aspirational multi-year transformation, with elevating customer experience and industry-leading operational excellence among the key priorities.