07 October 2024

PLDT, its wireless unit Smart Communications, and the government’s Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) are spearheading a public-private project to protect telecoms infrastructure.

The project - PROTECTA Pilipinas (a.k.a. Protect Technology-Telecom Alliance) - was launched under an MoU signed by private and public stakeholders. The alliance aims to identify and advocate for measures that enhance the resilience of telecom networks, including redundancy, disaster recovery plans, and cybersecurity protocols.

In addition to PLDT, Smart and CICC, alliance members include the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunication Operators (PCTO), advocacy group CitizenWatch Philippines, public policy think-tank Infrawatch PH, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), the Federation of International Cable TV Association of the Philippines (FICTAP) and Manila Electric Co (Meralco).

PROTECTA Pilipinas intends to collaborate with government bodies responsible for telecoms regulation and infrastructure management, including initiatives on policies, regulations, and enforcement mechanisms to protect telecom assets. The alliance will also work with telcos, equipment manufacturers, and service providers to encourage best practices, information sharing, and joint efforts to secure infrastructure. PROTECTA Pilipinas also covers protection of physical infrastructure, a major issue as telcos continue to struggle with equipment theft, including cables and batteries.

The alliance hopes to develop timely reporting mechanisms for suspicious activities or threats to telecom infrastructure to ensure swift action by relevant authorities. It will also push for legal frameworks that explicitly protect telecom infrastructure from vandalism, theft, and sabotage.

As part of the physical component, PROTECTA Pilipinas also plans to establish monitoring systems to track the health and performance of telecom facilities, as regular assessments can identify vulnerabilities, maintenance needs, and potential risks.

“These efforts will ensure that our critical infrastructure for communications are given proper attention in terms of security and integrity,” said CICC executive director Alexander K. Ramos.