PLDT, NTSC strengthen industry-wide drive vs cable theft

• Photo from Pixabay

PLDT, through its Asset Protection and Security Risk Governance Group, has launched a stronger industry-wide campaign with members of the National Telecommunications Security Council to help protect telco infrastructure from cable theft and vandalism.

The initiative, called “Oplan Balikatan,” seeks to ensure the continuous delivery of connectivity and digital services in communities by strengthening cooperation among telecommunications companies, local government units, and barangay security personnel.

The NTSC was spearheaded by PLDT’s APSRG team in June 2021 as an industry-wide alliance of corporate security professionals representing major telecommunications companies, including PLDT, Smart, Globe Telecom, DITO Telecommunity, Converge ICT Solutions, and other stakeholders.

PLDT, through its Asset Protection & Security Risk Governance (APSRG) Group, has launched ‘Oplan Balikatan’ with fellow members of the National Telecommunications Security Council (NTSC) tighter industry-wide collaboration to protect telco infrastructure. The launch was joined by corporate security professionals representing the country’s major telecommunications companies, including PLDT, Smart, Globe Telecom, DITO, Converge ICT Solutions, and barangay officials from Brgy Upper Bicutan, Taguig City led by barangay chair Francisco Sunga (8th from right, in blue).

Oplan Balikatan expands PLDT’s existing Bayanihan campaign, which aims to strengthen ties between telcos and barangays in protecting telecommunications equipment and improving community vigilance against cable thieves and vandals.

“Keeping our communities safe and connected is an effort that needs all of us. By standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our colleagues from other telcos and our partners from the local government, we can embody the true spirit of Balikatan, and empower our respective communities as well,” said Col. Wilfredo Gonio, head of PLDT and Smart’s Security Central Command and Administration Center under APSRG.

The pilot Balikatan session was held in Barangay Upper Bicutan, Taguig City, where PLDT representatives joined NTSC members in a dialogue with barangay officials and security personnel led by barangay chair Francisco Sunga.

PLDT was represented by GMM South Asset Protection Division Head Willie S. Antalan Jr., Security Risk Management Head Lucky Arjay V. Macapilit, and GMM South APD Team Head Jonie Prinzes Marie Valle. NTSC members were led by Col. Jaime Fernando Hidalgo (Ret.), together with Jerome Rubrico and Eugene Carlos of DITO, Gerald Bechayda of Globe, and Joel Trinidad of Converge.

During the session, NTSC also turned over Barangay iProtect items for use by barangay police during patrol duties. These included coffee mugs, reflectorized vests, security batons, and handcuffs.

“Across the industry, we may be competitors, but when it comes to securing our networks, we share a common responsibility. Through NTSC, we are working as one to deter illegal activities and ensure reliable service for the communities we all serve,” said NTSC Chairman Gen. Ramiro Manuel Rey (Ret.) of Converge ICT Solutions.

“The safety and connectivity of our communities are our joint priority. Under NTSC, we can combine resources and expertise to protect our infrastructure and keep essential digital services running,” Rey added.

PLDT said the initiative supports its network protection and community security efforts, helping create safer and more resilient communities where digital inclusion can continue to grow.

The company said the campaign also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities.