NTC warns vs. misuse of SMS emergency blasters in poll campaigns

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Monday warned the public against short message service (SMS) promoting certain election candidates sent through emergency alert systems.

In a statement, NTC said these messages are sent through a feature available in some SMS blasters that uses the cell broadcast or flash SMS option found in software controlling SMS blaster machines.

“The misuse of SMS blasters, particularly through emergency alert systems, to disseminate campaign materials is not only inappropriate, but also undermines public trust in critical communication channels,” NTC said.

“The NTC strongly advised the public to ignore similar messages received under the emergency broadcast facility unless it is a legitimate emergency message coming from the National Disaster and Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) or the PAGASA Weather and Flood Forecasting Center,” it added.

Reports of the misuse of emergency broadcasts have been reported to authorities, NTC said.

Those found using and selling SMS blasters may face imprisonment of up to 12 years and a fine of up to P500,000 for violating the Cybercrime Prevention Act, SIM Registration Act, and NTC rules and regulations.

Comelec earlier reported certain candidates who allegedly use text blasting for political campaigns to NTC and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

This comes as residents of Masbate reported receiving an emergency alert last Thursday, April 3, which contained a message urging them to vote for certain candidates for governor, vice governor, mayor, and district representative in the May midterm elections. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News