PLDT, NTSC Boost Cross Telco Measures to Safeguard Critical Infrastructure in 2026

Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT) has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying industry-wide collaboration to protect telco infrastructure as it joined fellow members of the National Telecommunications Security Council (NTSC) in mapping out key initiatives for 2026.

The group’s first regular meeting for the year brought together security leaders from the country’s major telecommunications companies to align on key initiatives aimed at strengthening the protection and resilience of national telco infrastructure.

NTSC Chair Lt. Gen. Ramie Rey (Ret) of Converge opened the session with a call for unified action among members, underscoring the importance of coordinated execution across working groups, especially as the sector continues to face persistent threats such as equipment theft, vandalism, and operational disruptions.

“Collaboration is one of our strongest defenses. By strengthening our planning frameworks and standardizing how we track issues across telcos, we help accelerate response, reduce operational friction, and increase collective readiness,” said Col. Wilfredo F. Gonio (Ret), Head of the Security Central Command and Administration Center (SCCA) at PLDT, adding that improved planning and monitoring processes will strengthen coordination and delivery timelines across NTSC’s working groups.

This year, PLDT is also expanding its existing collaborations with barangays in protecting telco infrastructure, deterring cable theft, and preventing vandalism to include stakeholders from NTSC and other telcos, as well as spearheading a multi-telco initiative for faster emergency response and crisis management.

P18 million in recovered items, thanks to ‘Bayanihan’

According to PLDT, as a result of the company’s grassroots telco equipment safeguarding efforts, its Asset Protection Divisions (APD) nationwide collectively apprehended individuals involved in theft or attempted theft of telco equipment, resulting in multiple arrests and the recovery of a substantial volume of network materials.

Based on regional reports, in the second half of 2025 alone, the total estimated value of recovered items by PLDT’s APDs reached approximately ₱18 million, underscoring the combined efforts of field teams, law enforcement partners, and community stakeholders to prevent service disruptions and protect PLDT’s critical infrastructure.

“As security threats continue to evolve, so must the industry continue to adapt and improve,” said Leo A. Gonzales, Vice President and Head of Property, Facilities, and Asset Resiliency Management at PLDT. “With our shared network infrastructure supporting millions of Filipinos every day, strengthening inter telco coordination allows us to protect that infrastructure more effectively and ensure reliable connectivity for the public.”

PLDT is an active partner in NTSC’s mission to strengthen industry-wide collaboration, secure critical telecommunications infrastructure, and uphold resilient, reliable connectivity for communities across the Philippines. This initiative is also aligned with the PLDT Group’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).