NTC warns against fake emergency messages promoting candidates

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a warning on Monday about fake emergency/cell broadcast messages promoting political candidates.

These messages are being spread through SMS blasters using cell broadcast or flash SMS features to send fraudulent messages, undermining public trust in critical communication channels.

Reports of misuse have been reported to authorities, and residents in Masbate received an emergency alert last Thursday urging them to vote for certain candidates.

The NTC advises the public to disregard any emergency broadcast messages unless they are from legitimate sources such as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) or PAG-ASA.

Those found using and selling SMS blasters may face imprisonment of up to 12 years and a fine of up to P500,000 for violating the Cybercrime Prevention Act, SIM Registration Act, and NTC rules and regulations.

In recent weeks, authorities have conducted operations in Metro Manila and provinces to arrest sellers of SMS Blasters under these acts.