Business Technology, Finance Technology & Information Technology
Zubiri Aims to Address Chinese Cell Towers in PH Military Bases for National Security 📡🏢
MANILA — Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has expressed his intent to discuss with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. regarding removing cell towers erected by Chinese companies within Philippine military bases.
In a radio interview on Friday, Zubiri emphasized the potential impact of these cell towers on national security.
Zubiri voiced concern about telco towers owned by a state-owned Chinese company situated within military compounds and bases, which transpired during the previous administration.
“Because of this, I will also arrange a meeting with Gen. Brawner, our AFP Chief of Staff, to address the matter. Removing these towers is important as they could contain surveillance equipment. If they can observe the movements of our troops as they exit the camp, it poses a serious threat,” Zubiri elaborated.
In September 2019, the AFP and the Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company (Mislatel) inked a memorandum of agreement that permitted the new telecommunications player to construct communication facilities within military installations.
The agreement stipulated that Mislatel guarantees that the equipment and structures they install on AFP sites will not be used to access classified information, thereby averting electronic espionage risks.
The AFP will identify specific locations for Mislatel’s communications facilities while considering rental value, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the operations of military units in the vicinity.
Mislatel is obliged to provide all necessary resources for the co-location of its facilities, bear associated expenses, and comply with tax obligations, permits, licenses, and charges.
The consortium led by Mislatel, known as Dito Telecommunity, comprises Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp., Udenna Corp, and China Telecom.
Rethinking Military Training
Zubiri is also exploring reassigning Philippine military officers training in China to “friendly” nations.
He suggested alternatives like Australia, the United States (West Point), or military academies in like-minded democracies. These countries could provide suitable environments for training while aligning with national security interests.
The Senate President’s initiative arises from his concerns over possible security implications tied to military training engagements in China.
In a separate interview, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. confirmed that several AFP officers have participated in training programs in China since a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation was signed in 2004.
In September 2004, former President and current Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo visited Beijing at the invitation of then-Chinese President Hu Jintao.
Following this visit, a joint press statement was released outlining mutual commitments to enhance exchanges and dialogue between the Philippines and China in the military and security sectors.
Both nations expressed their intent to explore establishing an annual defense security consultation mechanism, strengthening the foundation of mutual political trust.
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