Telcos Temporarily Suspend Services for Pope’s Safety

Manila (PNA) — Two of the country’s major telecommunications providers have temporarily suspended their services in compliance with the government order to ensure the safety of Pope Francis during his five-day Apostolic visit in the country.

In separate statements, the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) subsidiaries—Smart Communications (Smart) and Sun Cellular and Globe Telecom on Friday apologized for signal problems encountered by customers.

“This was done in the interest of public safety during the ongoing visit of His Holiness Pope Francis,” PLDT Head of Public Affairs Ramon Isberto said in a statement.

“Please bear with us if similar situations arise in the next few days here in Metro Manila as well as other sites on the Papal itinerary,” he said.

Globe, for its part, apologized for the similar signal problems encountered by its customers since Thursday.

To recall, cellular services of the networks were temporarily suspended since Thursday in Metro Manila, including some municipalities of nearby provinces.

Both telcos meanwhile sought for more patience and understanding from its customers for the interest of the Pope’s and of public safety. (PNA) RMA/ANP