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Manila Bulletin

Philippines

BARMM seizes illegal telecoms devices in Lanao Sur

Philippines

BARMM seizes illegal telecoms devices in Lanao Sur

By Philippine News Agency

CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao – Police and telecommunications officials have seized more than 50 illegally operated cellular mobile repeaters and portable cell sites during law enforcement operations in Marawi City, officials said Saturday, Feb. 12.

Commissioner Muhammad Ameen Abbas of the Bangsamoro Telecommunications Commission in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BTC-BARMM) said the operation was launched by the BTC-BARMM, police and military following complaints from telecommunication companies and mobile phone users of massive use of illegal boosters.

LLEGAL DEVICES. Bangsamoro Telecommunications Commission (BTC), police and military personnel check the illegal telecommunication devices they seize in two days of law enforcement operations on Feb. 10 and Feb. 11 in Marawi City and some parts of Lanao del Sur. (Photo courtesy of BTC/Manila Bulletin)

Abbas said the campaign against the rampant and unceasing use of repeaters, or illegal signal boosters, was conducted both in Marawi City and in Lanao del Sur towns.

He said the operation was pursuant to National Telecommunications Commission's Memorandum Order No. 01-02-2013, which prohibits the use of such devices that affect the services of major telecommunication providers in the country.

“Selling or purchasing of a signal booster is strictly prohibited, that is what the law says,” Abbas said.

He appealed to the BARMM constituents to work together with BTC-BARMM to solve the communications problem caused by illegal boosters.

Ali Datu Ulama, of Marawi City, said it will improve the internet signal in his home.

“I have children attending online classes. They have difficulty connecting because of illegal boosters around our community,” Ulama added.

Police authorities in BARMM have expressed full support to the BTC operation in eliminating the prohibited devices because it also affects their daily operations.

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