Philippine telco PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications said that they have expanded their grassroots programme to prevent theft of telecoms infrastructure by partnering with local communities, following its initial launch earlier this year.
The “barangay-based asset protection initiative” was first launched in Makati City in June by PLDT’s Asset Protection and Security Risk Governance (APSRG) Group in partnership with local government units (LGUs) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in response to persistent theft and vandalism targeting PLDT’s network.
PLDT said the barangay-based initiative has now been rolled out in Pangasinan, Davao, and Cebu, with more areas to follow soon. (In the Philippines, barangays are small territorial and administrative districts forming the most local level of government.)
In Dagupan City, the rollout was led by APSRG North Luzon Asset Protection Division (NLAPD) through its head Jose Rainier Mendoza, in coordination with Brgy Mayombo barangay captain Arsenio “Armie” Curameng and the PNP in Dagupan.
The initiative in Davao City was rolled out in Barangay Baliok, led by Jose Carlos G. Oliver, Head of the Asset Protection Operations Center (APOC), and Nepthali S. Cabanos, Head of Mindanao Asset Protection, alongside teams from Mindanao Relations, PLDT Home Sales, and smart device partners.
In Cebu, over 100 people joined the campaign led by APSRG Visayas head Nicomedes Juezan, Jr, in cooperation with Brgy San Vicente, Liloan barangay captain Victor Comendador.
In each initiative, barangay officials, security personnel and residents learn how to report incidents to PLDT’s security hotline 164, as well as the basics of the Anti-Fencing Law, and digital safety. PLDT and Smart also supply security kits containing flashlights, batons, raincoats, reflective gear, and Smart prepaid cards to support barangay patrol units.
Philippine telcos have been battling vandalism and theft at telecoms sites for years, with PLDT having claimed in recent months that theft occurs as often as every three days in certain areas in Manila.
Col. Wilfredo F. Gonio, head of PLDT and Smart’s security central command and administration centre, APSRG, said it was crucial to get local people at the barangay level involved to combat the problem effectively.
“Local partnerships are vital in enhancing our on-the-ground response to threats against our towers, network equipment and fibre lines, to name a few,” Gonio said in a statement. “These collaborations not only deter theft and vandalism but also empower communities to take an active role in protecting the services they rely on every day.”
