MANILA, Philippines, January 26, 2013 - PLDT has notified Globe Telecoms, Inc. that it will start to remove fiber optic cables (FOC) of Globe Telecoms Inc. that were illegally attached to PLDT poles and overhead cables in various locations in the provinces of La Union, Ilocus Sur and Ilocos Norte in northern Luzon.

“Despite repeated notices since December last year, Globe’s contractors continued to install FOC equipment on facilities of PLDT and Smart Communications without our knowledge and consent.  We have been compelled to act because these may affect the operations of our own facilities,” PLDT Public Affairs Head Ramon Isberto said.

He said that Globe was given until January 25 to remove the unauthorized installations. “If no action was taken by Globe contractors, PLDT will be constrained to remove the illegal connections and charge Globe for thecost of the removal and other damages that may be incurred by our facilities in the process," Isberto said.

PLDT and Smart personnel have found Globe FOC facilities attached to PLDT or Smart poles and lines in various points such as Sudipen and Bangar, La Union, and, in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur.  (Please see attached photos.)

“It is unfortunate that the services of PLDT, Smart and Globe may be affected due to the apparent disregard of Globe’s contractors of standard legal and safety procedures,” Isberto said.

“We simply cannot allow this infringement into our facilities that could put our own network at risk and disrupt services to our subscribers,” he added.