Citing threat, Palace tells telcos to jam cellphone signals along Nazarene route

(Updated 12:05 p.m.) - Malacañang on Monday confirmed that it asked the telecommunication companies to temporarily disconnect their services along the route of the Black Nazarene procession as part of the government's stepped-up security measures. President Aquino announced at an emergency press conference on Sunday that he had received information that a "local" terrorist group may try to disrupt Monday's mammoth annual ritual. Cell phones have been known to be used to trigger explosives from remote locations.  The route covers a large part of Manila, from Luneta to Quiapo church, including several turns on narrow streets. According to Google Maps, the route covers 6.32 kilometers. There has been no indication when the telcos' mobile services will be restored.  A telecommunications executive, who declined to be identified, confirmed that they had jammed mobile signals as instructed but added that they were suprised that the government would publicly announce such an extraordinary security measure.  Manila residents have been confirming via Twitter that signals are jammed or functioning irregularly in various parts of Manila. 

 

In a text message to reporters, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said "this is part of the security measures agreed upon during the meeting on Sunday." 

 

She added this was confirmed by Philippine National Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome. Bartolome told reporters, "Actually pinag-uusapan lagi 'yun dahil there’s always a possibility na magamit but hindi ako privy kung anong oras at kung anong area." He added the measure is for the security of the devotees: "Kapakanan ng marami ang binabantayan dito." For his part, Smart Communications spokesman Ramon Isberto said: "We have been briefed by government regarding the security situation with respect to the Black Nazarene procession. Based on that briefing, we are fully cooperating with government in order to address the situation and have agreed to take certain precautionary measures to enhance public safety in and around the procession areas."

 

President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday revealed that local terrorists groups are planning to disrupt the celebration. 

As of 11:55 a.m. Monday, though, cellphone services have resumed in the Quirino Grandstand area.  

15k cops on full alert

 

Some 15,000 police personnel were also ordered deployed on "full alert" for the Feast of the Black Nazarene, President Benigno Aquino III said Monday.

 

In an entry on his Facebook account, Aquino said ambulances and six hospitals in Metro Manila are on standby to attend to the devotees.

 

"Around 15,000 policemen on full alert are deployed today for the feast of the Black Nazarene. Ambulances and six hospitals in Metro Manila are on standby, while K9 units will be in areas where the procession will pass," he said.

 

He reiterated his advice to devotees "not to bring cellphones, weapons, and fireworks" in attending the procession.

 

Aquino said the yearly procession of the Black Nazarene, whose image is believed to have miraculous powers, is "expected to last for 10 to 12 hours."

 

Police secured the devotees early Monday, but ground commander Senior Superintendent Fidel Posadas declined to talk about the supposed terror threat.

 

The procession started on a festive but slow note after a Mass celebrated by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle. –With Paterno Esmaquel II/KG/RSJ/HS, GMA News