DFA cautions PHL on partnering with Huawei

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has cautioned the administration on partnering with Chinese multinational telco firm Huawei.

The DFA issued the advisory in a confidential internal memorandum saying it is informing the Department of Information and Communications Technology, National Security Council, and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency that the Czech Republic and France had security concerns about Huawei, according to a report by Rappler.

"The Department notes the Rappler report stating that the DFA supposedly warned against the risks of partnering with Huawei," the DFA said in a statement on Tuesday.

The DFA however said the report is "regrettable as the published document clearly bears no such warning by the Department."

It also wants a probe into the matter by relevant agencies as it is "disturbed that a confidential document has been published." 

The memorandum dated January 25 states that: "The Department of Foreign Affairs respectfully informs the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the National Security Council, and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) that the Czech Republic and France have issued orders to limit the use of Huawei products primarily due to security concerns... The ban was prompted by the security alert issued by the Czech National Cyber and Security Information Agency (NCISA) that Huawei devices may be used to damage the country’s national interests."

Philippine National Police chief Police General Oscar Albayalde recently ordered the police's Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management to investigate the allegations of other countries against Huawei.

Earlier, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo warned the Philippines about entering deals with Huawei as there were allegations that the telecommunications company could be used by the Chinese government for spying.

The Philippines has entered into a P20-billion contract with state-owned China International Telecommunication Construction Corporation (CITCC) for the “Safe Philippines” emergency response and monitoring system.

It was reported that Huawei will provide the equipment, including the CCTV cameras. —With a report from Michaela del Callar/Anna Felicia Bajo/KG, GMA News