Telecom company provides 15-day free calls, texts in Marawi

Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu. FILE PHOTO / INQUIRER.net

In an initiative to help soldiers and residents in Marawi City reach out to their loved ones, Globe has launched free calls and texts for 15 days starting Thursday.

The offer, which is in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of Information and Communications Technology, was launched on Thursday at Camp Aguinaldo.

Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu said Globe and TM prepaid customers in Marawi City will receive a text message within the next few days to inform them about the free promo.

There will be free texts to all networks and free calls to Globe and TM users.

“Communication is of extreme importance in any instance of disaster, may it be natural or manmade. As a telecommunications company with a purpose of treating people right, Globe fully supports the AFP and DICT in extending assistance to our fellow Filipinos who are experiencing these challenges by reconnecting them with their families and helping make the situation a little easier to bear,” Cu said.

The promo is open only to prepaid users and will not affect their remaining balance. It also does not include mobile data.

Cu said that they may extend the offer beyond 15 days if it is necessary.

The AFP, meanwhile, was grateful to the offer.

“We would like to thank the DICT led by Secretary (Rodolfo) Salalima and Globe Telecom for affording this avenue for embattled soldiers in Marawi to maintain communication lines with their families and loved ones during this critical time as they defend the republic against lawless elements,” said Maj. Gen. Jose Tanjuan Jr., AFP deputy chief of staff for communications, electronics and information systems.

Asked if the Maute terror group will take advantage of the situation, Cu said the terrorists are also using the cell sites even without their promo.

“There is no incremental benefit to the Maute… They have not shut it down or blown it up. They can be shot at. These guys have high-powered weaponry but nobody touches cell sites, ask why,” he said.

“It is an indication that they are also using the cell sites definitely even without [the promo] gumagamit rin sila (They are also using it),” he added.

Cu said they are not capable to determine the numbers used by the Maute terror group.

The conflict in Marawi, which entered its 30th day on Thursday, has killed 67 soldiers. JPV