PIA Press Release
Monday, January 09, 2012

Mobile subscribers in Manila to experience signal loss

QUEZON CITY, Jan 9 (PIA) -- Cellular users in select areas of Metro Manila will experience communication signal loss today due to security risks while the Black Nazarene is in procession to Quiapo Church from the Quirino Grandstand.

In an advisory, telephone companies (Telcos) told its mobile service subscribers to expect temporary disruption of cellular service with the loss of communication signal.

Globe Telecom, for one, sent out this text message:

“In the interest of the national security, please be informed that mobile subscribers of all telcos in select areas of Manila will experience temporary loss of signal due to security measures being conducted by the government in line with the Feast of the Black Nazarene.”

Earlier, President Benigno S. Aquino III revealed that there is threat to the country’s security, particularly related to the celebration of the 405th Feast of the Black Nazarene.

For his part, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Nicanor Bartolome has asked the public, specially the devotees, not to bring their mobile phones to the procession. He said the cellular phones may earn the focus of pickpocketers and mobile phone snatchers. Likewise, it may cause someone injury with its sturdy and solid design.

Also, the media has reported that mobile phones can be used to aid terror activities during the procession of the Black Nazarene.(RJB/DBNV-PIA NCR)