Local News

OCD warns politicians on misusing emergency alerts

THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) noted that they had received reports of alleged illegal usage of the emergency cell broadcast system (ECBS) by several individuals for their political campaigns.

In a statement, the OCD said that the “inappropriate use” of the ECBS undermines the purpose of the system.

The said illegal use had been proliferating from a province that they did not name.

The OCD said that residents allegedly received emergency alerts containing a local candidate’s name for the upcoming May polls.

“This system is designed exclusively for issuing life-saving alerts during emergencies, such as earthquakes, typhoons, and other public safety threats. Utilizing it for political messages not only undermines its critical purpose but also risks desensitizing the public to genuine emergencies, potentially endangering lives,” OCD said in a statement.

Likewise, the OCD said that they are now verifying multiple reports from residents that received ECBS alerts “that included political content urging them to vote for specific candidates.”

“These messages, designed to mimic urgent emergency notifications, create confusion and may lead to complacency during real crises,” it said.

Meanwhile telco providers Globe Telecom and Smart Communications said that they “do not utilize the ECBS for non-emergency messages and have not sent any political campaign alerts.”

“The misuse of this system for political gain is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We have referred this matter to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for appropriate investigation and action,” it said.

It will be recalled that on social media, residents from Masbate City reported that they received emergency alerts at around 10:45 a.m. but the alert contained a campaign message allegedly from a political clan and their allies.