Globe sent 11 text messages to warn of dangers posed by Lawin

An executive of Globe Telecom on Monday said the telco transmitted text advisories warning its customers on the dangers brought by Supertyphoon Lawin.

Globe said it sent a total of 11 text messages directed to its subscribers in Northern Luzon, 9 before Lawin made landfall and two after.

In a statement, Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto said the text messages were in coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council at no cost to the telco's clients.

“Globe will continue to support government initiatives specially in using our network to disseminate information to help ensure the safety and security of our customers,” Crisanto said.

Crisanto said the NDRRMC crafted the text advisory before it was related to Globe for transmittal.

Globe issued the statement amid criticisms from Sen. Grace Poe and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlo Isagani Zarate citing telcos' failure to send alerts during the onsluaght of Lawin.

The lawmakers sought a review of the telcos' strict compliance of Republic Act 10369 or the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act enacted in 2014.

Meanwhile, the Globe statement said its initial text message was sent to more than 1.5 million mobile numbers around 11:29 a.m. on Wednesday, saying: “TY LawinPH severe danger over Cagayan, Isabela, Kalinga, Ifugao & Mt. Province, Moderate to heavy damage. Evacuation is advised."

It's last message sent to 3.5 million subscribers around 8:15 a.m. last Thursday read: 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 Globe focused their alerts to customers in Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao, Abra, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Mt. Province, Kalinga, Ifugao, and Calayan group of islands.  

Globe's prepaid bands also sent text messages to remind customers of precautionary steps prior to Lawin’s landfall.

Moreover, Globe said it restored telco services within 24 hours even in areas hardest hit by Lawin.

Globe also provided Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging and Libreng Internet services in 46 areas and relief operations in four areas in Ilagan City, Isabela; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Vigan City, Ilocos Sur and Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. —NB, GMA News