The unfortunate incident of 19-year-old Ashley Abad has been much controversy over the past few days as the news of her death spark outrage in the country.
The Pre-Sinulog Concert happened over the Sinulog weekend last January 19 at Cebu Business Park in Cebu City.
But over the Sinulog weekend, what many forgot to factor in when the incident happened was the whole Cebu City was on the scheduled shutdown of cellular sites and mobile signals ordered by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
In today's day and age, we heavily rely on mobile phones to communicate with convenience without having to rush out and run when help is needed in an emergency. This was the case of Abad's death, in the time of her collapse, her-assumed boyfriend in the video was with her when her overdose happened.
WATCH: The Moment 19-Year-Old Girl Who Died from Pre-Sinulog Concert had a Seizure
Meaning, the boyfriend could not call for help, they physically go through the crowd while carrying Abad just to look for help within concert grounds because there was no means of cellular communication.
The shut down of cellular networks was an inconvenience to many in Cebu City, especially those in emergency situations and those who work. But as a safety precaution to the attendees of the Sinulog parade by the NTC.
READ: Ashley was NOT a drug user, she was a VICTIM
In a memorandum dated Jan. 11, NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba ordered Smart Communication Inc., Globe Telecom Inc., and Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc. to shut off their cell sites during certain times on Jan. 19 and 20.
There will be no cellphone signal during the fluvial procession from 3 a.m to 10 a.m. on Jan. 19 in the cities of Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu and Cebu.
NTC Central Visayas (NTC-7) Regional Director Jesus Laureno warned that the cell site “shutoff” will affect not just the Sinulog routes, which was the original request of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7), but also the surrounding areas covered by that cell site.
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It was the Central Visayas police through deputy regional director Chief Supt. Dennis Agustin which requested for a shutdown of cell phone communication during the major Sinulog events.
Agustin said cutting the signal is essential since cellphones could be used as a detonator for improvised explosive devices (IED).
Security has been tight since the start of the Sinulog activities.
Police are particularly strict in enforcing the ban on the carrying of backpacks when attending novena masses at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño.
Sr. Supt. Royina Garma, chief of the Cebu City police, said inspecting backpacks takes time and could be used by criminals to keep their contrabands.
The signals in some parts of Mandaue City, Lapu-lapu, and even Bohol may be affected as well.
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