According to the ASEAN Committee on Security, Peace and Order and Emergency Preparedness and Response (CSPOEPR), there will be no frequency more disruptive during the 31st ASEAN Summit.
Domino Policy Director (DILG) Catalino S. Cuy, who is also Chairman of the CSPOEPR, said the government had made no arrangements to block the country’s main networks, as “this could do more harm than good”.
“We have taken all of these things into account and we have decided not to jam the summit as this could even work to our disadvantage in terms of monitoring the situation on the ground,” said Cuy.
“What if there is an emergency, we will not be able to act accordingly if there is a signal stop,” he adds.
DILG OIC says the government has also reminded the security officers of the ASEAN delegates not to bring in their signal jammer because they are not allowed in our country.
He also says that President Duterte has specific instructions that the public should experience minimal inconvenience during the summit while addressing all possible security threats.
“We worked hand in hand with the Department of Information and Communication Technology and with the information experts from the Philippine National Police (PNP) on our security measures against cybercrime and cyberattacks during the event,” he added.
However, Cuy says that while there is unimpeded communication, all security personnel must refrain from using their devices while on duty unless they report critical incidents.
“We would like to remind our security personnel of the ban on using mobile phones during ASEAN operations because such actions are treated accordingly,” he adds.
On the other hand, the commander of the ASEAN security group, chief of police Napoleon C. Taas, urges the public to contribute to a smooth and peaceful summit.
“We cannot do this alone. We need your eyes and ears. Please tell us everything that you think is happening in your area and that this could affect our preparation for the summit,” says Taas.