More gains than risks in Dito telecom facilities in military camps, says AFP spox

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sought to quell fears raised by some camps on the move of the government to allow third telco, Dito Telecommunity Corp., fomerly Mislatel Co. Inc., to build telcommunication facilities inside military camps.

Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson, said the presence of the structures will not affect the military's operations or put national security in peril.

Arevalo also reasoned that Smart and Globe Telecoms have also facilities in some military camps.

"May facilities din ang Globe at Smart sa ilang military bases. ...Mas marami ang gains kaysa risks sa hakbang na ito," he said.

Senator Francis Pangilinan earlier questioned the guarantee the AFP can give that there would be no breach of national security once the country gives Dito a stake iin military camps.

Dito spokesman Adel Tamano said, "I think what is important for us to know or at least is that the plan has been submitted and approved, so meron talaga protocol in regards cyber and national security."

Tamano also said the firm has chosen retired general Rodolfo Santiago as its chief technology officer.

"Dumaan yan sa maraming evaluation, may agreement, at may safety measures pareho ang Mislatel at AFP," Arevalo added. —LDF, GMA News