NTC warns vs fake campaign broadcast messages

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) warned the public about fraudulent emergency broadcast messages on mobile phones that falsely promote certain political candidates.

It also urged vigilance against the misuse of SMS blasters, devices increasingly used to spread misinformation and fraudulent messages aimed at influencing voters, disseminating false information about the election process, and manipulating public opinion.

The agency said these messages are being broadcast through a feature in some SMS blasters that utilizes the cell broadcast or flash SMS option.

This capability was discovered during NTC testing of SMS blasters seized by the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) in its crackdown on online sellers of these devices.

The NTC stressed that using SMS blasters, particularly through emergency alert systems, to distribute campaign materials is inappropriate and erodes public trust in vital communication channels.

It advised the public to disregard such messages received under the emergency broadcast facility unless they are legitimate emergency alerts from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) or the PAGASA weather bureau.

The NTC said it has reported the misuse of emergency broadcasts to law enforcement agencies for investigation, citing potential illegal campaigning or attempts to discredit candidates in the upcoming elections.

In recent weeks, the PNP-ACG and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), in coordination with the NTC, have conducted multiple operations in Metro Manila and provinces to apprehend sellers of SMS blasters, signal jammers, and IMSI catchers.

Violators could face up to 12 years in prison and fines up to P500,000 under the Cybercrime Prevention Act, Act No. 3846 as amended, the SIM Registration Act and related NTC rules.