NTC-7 Exec Says Temporary Shutdown of Cell Sites During Sinulog to Affect Metro Cebu and Bohol

An official of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) – Region 7 on Wednesday said the request of the police for a temporary shutdown of cell sites during the Sinulog Grand Parade in Cebu City on Jan. 15, Sunday, will affect cellphone users in Metro Cebu and Bohol.

Engr. Jesus Laureno, NTC 7 director, said a temporary shutdown of the cell sites of telecommunications carriers will affect a larger area than the mere use of signal jammers, which only affects a limited area.

Laureno has also confirmed receipt of the request of Chief Superintendent Noli Talino, Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 director, for the temporary shutdown of cell sites during the sinulog.

Laureno said the request has been forwarded to the NTC central office in Manila for its approval.

Talino earlier proposed to jam cellphone signals during the Sinulog as an additional precautionary measure for one of the biggest cultural events in the country that attracts millions of spectators, both local and foreign.

Talino said there are no credible terrorist threats in Cebu, but jamming cellphone signals will preclude possible bombings as most bombs are detonated with the use of cellphones.

Some 8,000 police and military personnel, including “force multipliers,” will be deployed to secure the 4-kilometer Sinulog route and the 10,000 capacity Cebu City Sports Center, where the contingents will present their final performance before the judges.

Police implemented a gun ban in Cebu since Monday, Jan. 9, until Jan. 18 as an additional security measure. (PNA)LAP/EB/EDS