GLOBE Telecom transmitted a total of 11 text messages, warning customers of potential dangers coming from Super Typhoon Lawin (Haima) in compliance with what is prescribed by law.
Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto said transmittal of the text messages was undertaken in coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) at no cost to consumers.
“Globe will continue to support government initiatives especially in using our network to disseminate information to help ensure the safety and security of our customers,” Crisanto said.
Taking exception to claims made by Senator Grace Poe that were relayed to the press on Sunday, October 23, Globe said nine of the total 11 text messages directed to customers in northern Luzon were sent out prior to the typhoon’s landfall while two SMS blasts were released after the landfall.
NDRRMC crafted all the messages and relayed to Globe for transmittal, Crisanto said.
Globe sent out the initial text message at 11:29 a.m. Wednesday, October 19, to more than 1.5 million mobile numbers.
The text message read as follows: "TY LawinPH severe danger over Cagayan, Isabela, Kalinga, Ifugao & Mt. Province. Moderate to heavy damage. Evacuation is advised."
On the other hand, the last message, which was sent out to around 3.5 million customers at 8:15 a.m. Thursday, October 20, read as follows: "Typhoon Signal #3: STY #LawinPH severe danger over La Union, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and Northern Aurora in 18 hours. Moderate to heavy damage. Stay in safer evacuation areas."
Crisanto said the mobile disaster alerts sent by Globe includes critical information that communities at risk can use to prepare for and respond to disaster. The alerts were directed to customers in Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao, Abra, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Mt. Province, Kalinga, Ifugao, and Calayan group of islands.
Separately, as part of its #StaySafePH advocacy, Globe Telecom’s prepaid brands -- Globe Prepaid and TM -- also sent out SMS messages, reminding customers of precautionary steps prior to the typhoon’s landfall.
Within 24 hours of the typhoon’s landfall, Globe was able to restore telecommunications services even in the areas badly hit by the typhoon.
With mobile signal and Internet services fully available, the company immediately provided Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging and Libreng Internet services in 46 areas.
On top of the free services, Globe deployed relief operations in four areas, namely, Ilagan City, Isabela; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Vigan City, Ilocos Sur and Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. (PR)