Palace assures public: No security breach in AFP-Dito telco deal

From the Manila Times (Sep 19, 2019): Palace assures public: No security breach in AFP-Dito telco deal

MALACAÑANG on Wednesday assured the public that there was “no breach in security” in the controversial agreement between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the China-backed Dito Telecommunity Corp. (formerly the Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company or Mislatel).

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar made the assurance to allay fears of some sectors that the agreement could be utilized for espionage activities.

“We are confident there would be no breach in security as safeguard measures would be put in place as a matter and part of security protocols. These may include strict security clearances to individuals and information to ensure that no unauthorized data can enter or get out of military facilities where cell sites would be installed,” Andanar said in a statement.

The agreement, which was signed on Wednesday last week, allows Dito Telecommunity’s communication facilities to be installed in military camps and installations.

Payment of Dito Telecommunity will be done through provision of training and donation of communication equipment to the military.

Andanar said the Palace also welcomed the assurance of concerned government agencies, particularly the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), “that the concerns, including fears bordering on paranoia, of some quarters on the memorandum of agreement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with DITO Telecommunity, formerly Mindanao Islamic Telephone Co. or Mislatel, have been thoroughly addressed by our security and information technology experts.”

“The Constitution is very clear: The prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect the people. To serve and protect covers safeguarding their interests, such as security and cybersecurity interests,” he said.

DICT Undersecretary Eliseo Rio on Tuesday downplayed concerns that Dito Telecommunity may install equipment in military camps that may be used for espionage or compromise cybersecurity.

“We have the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in charge of approving cybersecurity plans of telecommunications firms such as Dito Telecommunity, plus the Cybersecurity Bureau of DICT which now has a Cybersecurity Management System Platform that can monitor threats to our cyberspace,” Rio said in a statement.

He added that the AFP has similar agreements with telcos Globe and Smart, and that the deal with DITO was even stricter because it stated “that national security will never be compromised by their network.”

In a statement on Monday, Dito Telecommunity Chief Administrative Office Adel Tamano also assured the public that the company would comply with all government requirements.

“As a Filipino company, Dito Telecommunity will of course comply with all government requirements. Please note that when we signed the agreement, we understood that it was not yet final and subject to approval with the Secretary of National Defense,” Tamano said.

“We want to assure the public that Dito has a cybersecurity plan, as approved by NTC, and that the company will always protect the national and cybersecurity interests of the Philippines,” he explained, adding said cybersecurity plan was a requirement for the third telco.

The Dito Telecommunity Corp., which received its license to operate in July, is composed of China Telecom and Udenna Corporation led by businessman Dennis Uy.

Formerly known as Mislatel, the Dito consortium is expected to begin commercial operations in 2020.

Udenna Corporation is in charge of providing local knowledge and footprint in the business, while China Telecom will build and deploy the actual telecoms infrastructure.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/18/news/latest-news/palace-assures-public-no-security-breach-in-afp-dito-telco-deal/618187/