Palace: Safety measures in place under AFP-Dito Tel agreement

Malacañang said on Wednesday that security measures would be in place amid concerns over the agreement allowing Dito Telecommunity Corp. to set up equipment and facilities within military bases in the country.

Critics had earlier warned against the Dito deal over espionage fears given that the telco was created through a consortium with state-owned China Telecom Corp. Ltd.

But Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said concerned agencies, particularly the Department of Information and Communications Technology, vowed that the concerns have been thoroughly addressed by security and information technology experts.

“We are confident there would be no breach in security as safeguard measures would be put in place as a matter and part of security protocols,” Andanar said in a statement.

“These may include strict security clearances to individuals and information to ensure that no unauthorized data can enter or get out of military facilities where cell sites would be installed.”

Andanar added the duty of the government is to serve and protect the people, including safeguarding their interests regarding security and cybersecurity.

Senator Risa Hontiveros has already filed a resolution seeking an inquiry into the deal entered into by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Dito Tel, a consortium composed of Udenna Corporation, its subsidiary Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp., and China Telecom.

She expressed concern over the possibility of espionage and other security risks since Chinese corporations are obligated to support state intelligence-gathering efforts under Article 7 of China’s National Intelligence Law.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said that he was unaware of the agreement but vowed to study the document before approving it.

Malacañang and the AFP said the military could still withdraw from the agreement if it could be proven that it would pose a risk to national security.

Dito Telecommunity said their facilities would not be used to obtain classified information. — RSJ, GMA News