Telco giants told: Offer free calls to #RollyPH victims

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) announced on Monday that it has ordered Globe Telecom and Smart Communications to give free calls and put up charging stations for Filipinos affected by Typhoon Rolly.

The NTC has directed the country’s top two telecommunications firms to offer these free and charging services to Filipinos affected by Typhoon Rolly in hard-hit areas, especially those with no electricity and no means to call their loved ones.

The memorandum was signed by NTC commissioner Gamaliel A. Cordoba.

The agency also reminded Smart and Globe to observe strict health protocols to avoid transmission of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Meantime, the NTC has tasked director Arnold Barcelona of NTC Region IV-A(CALABARZON), director Ronald Cabute of NTC Region IV-B(MIMAROPA) and director Ariel Padilla of NTC Region V(Bicol) to monitor and oversee the implementation of the NTC memorandum in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

On Sunday, typhoon Rolly – regarded as the strongest typhoon in the world this year – devastated the country, affecting 125 cities and towns and left 16 people dead in the Bicol region.

As of Monday, many of the estimated 390,000 evacuees nationwide are in evacuation centers in churches, courts and schools.