OZAMIZ
CITY: Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares has called as high priority the activation
of the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Law in the face of typhoon “Hahupit” about
to hit the country in the next few days.
Colmenares,
who authored the law as part of the country’s response in times of calamities, sees
the need to implement it ASAP.
It
can be learned that the law was already signed by Pres. Aquino last July but
until now has not been implemented.
The
congressman hopes the telecommunication companies “are not dragging their foot
in implementing the law and will cooperate in its implementation as it will save
lives if it is implemented.”
The
Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act requires all telecommunication companies to
send out text or MMS messages to all subscribers of the impending calamity.
The
message will include the required preparation, the address of the nearest
evacuation centers and the location and schedule of relief distribution.
In
the event of an impending tropical storm, typhoon, floods, tsunami, or other
calamities, mobile phone service providers are mandated to send out alerts at
regular intervals issued by the NDRRMC, PAGASA, PHIVOLCS and other relevant
agencies.
With
this law, said Colmenares, it will be clear that it is both the government and
the telecom companies' duty to send out free mobile alerts at the earliest time
possible.
He
added it will aid in the preventive evacuation, identification of safe
evacuation centers and advanced information of prepositioned relief provisions
for evacuees.
The
alerts shall consist of up-to-date information from relevant agencies and shall
be sent directly to the mobile phone subscribers located near and within the
affected areas.
The
alerts shall include LGU contact information and other agencies required to
respond to the situation, and may contain other significant information, such
as, but not limited to, evacuation areas, relief sites and pick-up points.
The
alerts, shall be at no cost, whether direct or indirect, to the consumers; and
shall be included as part of the service providers' auxiliary service. The
alerts may be in the form of SMS (text messages), MMS, or email, as needed and
appropriate.
Also
included in the Colmenares bill are penalties for not sending out the alerts or
sending out false information.
Colmenares,
in his press release emailed to The Philippine Preview said the law will at
least minimize casualties from disasters, mishaps and calamities and help save
lives.