PLDT Inc. is tightening measures to protect its telecommunications infrastructure by expanding coordination with industry peers, local communities, and law enforcement to curb equipment theft and reduce service disruptions for subscribers.

The Pangilinan-led firm said over the weekend that it joined the first National Telecommunications Security Council (NTSC) meeting of 2026 to plan key security initiatives.

The gathering brought together security leaders from major telecoms to coordinate strategies for protecting the country’s network infrastructure against ongoing threats like cable theft, vandalism and service disruptions.

Collaboration a strong defense

“Collaboration is one of our strongest defenses. By strengthening our planning frameworks and standardizing how we track issues across telcos, we help accelerate response, reduce operational friction and increase collective readiness,” said Col. Wilfredo F. Gonio (Ret), head of the Security Central Command and Administration Center at PLDT.

He added that improved planning and monitoring processes will strengthen coordination and delivery timelines across NTSC’s working groups.

As part of its security plan, PLDT said it is working more closely with barangays, other telecoms, and NTSC members to prevent cable theft and vandalism.

Multi-telco effort

The company is also leading a multi-telco effort to speed up emergency response and improve crisis management. Its Asset Protection Divisions have stepped up enforcement, resulting in arrests and the recovery of critical network equipment.

In the second half of 2025 alone, the recovered items were valued at around P18 million, highlighting the combined efforts of field teams, law enforcement, and communities to protect the network and keep services running.

“As security threats continue to evolve, so must the industry continue to adapt and improve,” said Leo A. Gonzales, vice president and head of Property, Facilities and Asset Resiliency Management at PLDT.

“With our shared network infrastructure supporting millions of Filipinos every day, strengthening inter telco coordination allows us to protect that infrastructure more effectively and ensure reliable connectivity for the public.”

PLDT said the strengthened security measures form part of broader industry efforts to secure critical telecommunications infrastructure and maintain reliable connectivity nationwide.