Integrated telecommunications company PLDT Inc., its wireless arm Smart Communications Inc., and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) have launched a public-private collaboration known as Protecta Pilipinas.
The Protect Technology-Telecom Alliance (Protecta) aims to safeguard technology and telecommunications infrastructure nationwide, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for Filipinos.
“PLDT-Smart and the CICC led the formation of Protecta Pilipinas for the mutual protection of tech and telco infrastructure to ensure that connectivity services remain available, given their role in emergency response, national security, economic growth, and daily life,” said Atty. Roy Ibay, convenor of Protecta Pilipinas.
Protecta Pilipinas focuses on promoting network resilience, implementing cybersecurity protocols, and fostering collaboration with government bodies for regulations and enforcement. The alliance also seeks to monitor the health of telecom facilities, encourage reporting of threats, and advocate for legal measures against infrastructure sabotage.
“These efforts will ensure that our critical infrastructure for communications receives proper attention in terms of security and integrity,” said Alexander Ramos, executive director, CICC.
The alliance was formally initiated with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing at the CICC office in Taguig City. Representatives from various sectors, including CICC, PCTO, CitizenWatch Philippines, Infrawatch PH, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, PLDT, Smart, FICTAP, and Meralco, signed the MOU, with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) acting as a witness.