MMDA assures no disruption of cell signals at INC gathering

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday allayed fears that cell phone signals at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila were disrupted hours before the start of a religious gathering of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC).

 

MMDA traffic discipline unit Yves Gonzalez said there was no "intentional" disruption of signals at the venue, adding it is possible that the cell towers there simply could not handle the high volume of mobile phone users.

 

"Signal in the Quirino Grandstand area isn't intentionally disrupted but I think the cell towers can't handle the high density of users," he said on his Twitter account.

 

INC members had started to gather at the Quirino Grandstand for the religious event that was scheduled to start at 5 p.m.

 

But on Tuesday afternoon, the MMDA received queries on whether the mobile phone signals at the site were disrupted.

 

In January, Malacañang requested telecommunication firms to cut cell phone signals in Quiapo, Manila during the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

 

At the time, the Palace claimed a terrorist group may be plotting an attack at the Nazarene feast, taking advantage of the large number of people there.

 

Cell phone service in Quiapo and nearby areas was restored the next day, hours after the yearly Nazarene procession was completed. — TJD, GMA News