All internet cafes probed

By JERICO JAVIER
People's Tonight

Local police units nationwide were ordered yesterday to check all Internet shops and cafes to determine whether they are involved in pay-per-view sex shows, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday even as it identified cybersex hot spots in the country.

Authorities believe that several Cybersex syndicates based in the provinces are using Internet cafes as fronts in their illegal operations.

The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have identified four "cybersex hot spots" operated by foreigners and their Filipino cohorts in the provinces.

Sr. Supt. Rodolfo Mendoza, CIDG head, identified the four hot spots as Angeles City and San Fernando in Pampanga, Davao City and Las Piñas City.

"These areas are considered Internet
hotspots, and based on our monitoring, dito sa mga lugar na ito nagsasagawa ng kanilang operations ang mga sindikato," Mendoza told People's Tonight.

With a public now aware of the modus operandi of Internet sexsites, police will be more aggressive in their operations against the on-line trafficking of women and children, he said.

Police are now conducting surveillance operations on the activities of these syndicates, especially in San Fernando, Pampanga and Davao City, he added.

In fact, a special team has been tasked to particularly track illegal cybersex operations. It is now conducting pursuit operations to dismantle other syndicates, Mendoza said.

The Computer Anti-Crime Unit under the CIDG-Anti-Transnational Crime Division is tasked to go after computer crimes, including Internet pornography
Mendoza said the unit is now conducting intensified intelligence gathering, detection and monitoring in the intensified campaign against cybersex.

He urged Congress for the passage of a stricter law against cybersex and Internet pornography.
"There's really no law governing cybersex, ang meron lang tayo ay trafficking of persons," he pointed out.
Mendoza explained that police officers have to prove first whether confiscated sex gadgets like dildos (or penis replica), vibrators, video cameras and other devices have been used in prostitution.

The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 does not specifically provide that mere possession of the sex gadget is punishable.

He urged lawmakers that mere possession of the sex gadgets inside Internet sex establishments should be declared illegal.

"Mahirap kasi 'pag possession lang ng mga gamit, hindi ka pa puwedeng maparusahan, kailangan pang mapatunayan na ang mga gamit na ito ay ginagamit sa trafficking ng person (prostitution)," Mendoza explained.

The CIDG last year failed to score in one of their major raids in Angeles City after Roland Thys, a Belgian national and alleged leader of an Internet sex syndicate, was ordered released due to "insufficient of evidence."

More than 30 young girls were rescued in the two raids that police conducted. Also rescued were 17 minors and young ladies utilized by the sex syndicate as cyber models for its Internet website, AsianBabes.com.

Thys, along with another foreigner, was arrested last Oct . 27 for alleged on-line trafficking of children and women.

The latest CIDG raid of a suspected Internet sex den in Las Piñas City on Jan. 21 was a major breakthrough for the police after the alleged owner-operator of Orgasmic Ventures -- identified as Aloysius Galvez -- and several of his staff members were not allowed to post bail.

The case against them was upgraded to "qualified trafficking," which is non-bailable.

NTC appends rules on phone sales, repair

By Alexander Villafania
INQ7.net

THE NATIONAL Telecommunications Commission (NTC) recently released amendments to memorandum circular 08-08-2004, which laid down rules governing the sale and repair of mobile phones by service providers.

The NTC issued the circular last year after it received numerous complaints from mobile phone users whose stolen phones were being sold or unblocked by mobile phone repair shops.

Some of the changes included the addition of a mobile phone retailer/reseller (MPRR), apart from the mobile phone dealer (MPD). The difference is that MPDs can directly sell mobile phones and parts through branches or kiosks, while MPRRs are individuals who can only sell limited number of mobile phones within a given period and without the need of physical infrastructure.

The NTC has also changed the application fees and paid-up capitalization for MPDs and MPRRs. For instance, MDPs should have a 100,000-peso paid-up capitalization and pay a 2,500 a year for the permit. NTC has also required MPDs to
pay a 1,500-peso branch permit fee a year for each branch.

Likewise, the NTC is requiring MPRRs to submit a proof of a 50,000 peso paid-up capitalization and pay a 1,500-peso annual registration fee.

The NTC also added 2,500 a year accreditation fee for mobile phone suppliers and distributors (MPSD), as well as an inspection fee of 1,500 pesos per year that should be paid by MPDs, MPRRs and MPSDs.

In the previous version of MC 08-08-2004, the NTC required a filing fee of 180 pesos, a 1,200-peso per year permit fee and a 720-peso per year inspection fee.
The NTC has retained the imposition of 5,000-peso penalties to MPDs, MPRRs and MPSDs who sell, purchase or import illegally acquired and non-NTC type-approved units.

ONE PROVINCE ONE RATE HEARING

Republic of the Philippines
TELECOM BOARD
OLONGAPO CITY

Olongapo Telecom Board Meeting and Public Hearing
January 24, 2004,9:00 Am
Olongapo SP Session Hall

PRESENT:

Hon. Edwin J. Piano, Chairman
Hon. Gina Perez, Vice-Chairman
Mr. Leonardo C.Perez, Member (Telecommunications Expert)
Engr. German E. Ebue, Member (Electronics & Communications Expert)
Mr. Danny J. Piano, Member (Information Technology Expert)
Mr. Mark Anthony Orpiano, Board Secretariat


OTHERS:
Hon. Ramon Lacbain II, Vice-Governor, Zambales
Hon. Rolen Paulino, Vice Mayor, Olongapo City
Hon. Noel Y. Atienza, City Councilor
Hon. Hally Andrada, City Councilor
Hon. Robine Rose Buenafe, SK Federation Chairman
Capt. Damian Delos Santos Representing, ABC
Mr. Dennis S. Dela Paz, Division Chief-SBMA Telecoms
Mr. Dennis Dale V. Jacob, SCDO-SBMA Telecoms
Mr.Rossanno C. Danoog, Manager-Piltel also representing SubicTel
Ms.Ana J. Ramirez, Supervisor-Subictel
Ms. Marlene D. Gaña, Site Acquisition Ofcr-Mohave, Representing Globe
Mr. Ramir T. Ballesteros, Field Engr.-Smart Communications
Mr. Gerardo A. David, Operation & Maint for Bataan & Zambales
Mr. Rodolfo M. Cabrera, Metro North Links Inc.
Mr. Arturo C. Urbano, Metro North Links Inc
Mr.Benjamin B. Espinosa Jr. Brgy.Kagawad-Asinan
Mr. Ernesto P. Esmele Jr. Brgy.Kagawad-Asinan
Mr.Romeo E. Matonido Jr. Brgy.Kagawad-Kalaklan
Mr.Bernard C. Banlor, Brgy.Kagawad-Kalaklan
Mr.Jenilee B. Palo, Brgy.Kagawad-Kalaklan
Mr.Federico G. Villegas Jr., Brgy.Kagawad-Kalaklan
Mr.Benjamin O. Miranda Sr., Bantay Bayan
Mr. Almeda, Senior Citizens


EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF MEETING

1. The meeting was called to order at 9:30am.

2. Ms. Effie Salmon-City Council Secretary to lead the prayer.

3. The Agenda was adopted as read.

4. Hon. Edwin J. Piano, Chairman of Olongapo City Telecom and Information Technology Board made his opening remarks regarding on the issue “One Rate, One Province, public and hearing. Thus, he clarified that the Telecom and IT Board of Olongapo City was created to help and support the National Telecommunication Commissions (NTC) in implementing the policy regarding telecommunications for the common good.

5. The Chairman and presiding officer acknowledged the presence of the Telecom Board Members, Representatives from SBMA Telecom Department, Subictel & Piltel, Metro North Links Inc., Mohave Consultancy Inc, Brgy. Asinan, Bantay Bayan, and Hon. Ramon Lacbain Vice-Gorvernor of Zambales.

6. Hon. Edwin J. Piano declared the resolution requiring the implementation and enforcement of ONE RATE, ONE PROVINCE POLICY as mandated by NTC Memorandum Circular No.14-7-2000 to Public Telecommunication Entities. WHEREAS, pursuant to the provision of the NTC Memorandum Circular No. 1-4-7-2000 entitled, “Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the inter connection of Authorized Public telecommunications Entities (PTE).” Are mandated to implement uniformity and applicability by PTE’s within the zone and outside the zone of the local calling (Service) area.

7. Hon. Edwin J. Piano urged to the Telecommunication provider/players namely Subictel, PLDT, Digitel, and most especially Piltel to comply with the policy on ONE RATE, ONE PROVINCE as mandated by NTC memorandum Circular No. 14-7-2000.

8. The Chairman observed that in Metro Manila with the present numbering plan “02” is considered as the local calling service area, have already implemented the Zero NDD which means no more Extended Area Service to all Subscriber. He compared our situation here in Olongapo, wherein Piltel is charging the so called “EXTENDED AREA SERVICE” to subscriber calling in SBMA or Subic Town and NDD to other areas in Zambales. He also compared the P779.00 monthly service charge rate of Piltel in Olongapo, while Subictel is charging only P282.00 per month considering that SubicTel is not charging EAS to its outgoing calls.


9. Mr. Dennis S. Dela Paz, Division Chief of SBMA Telecom Department voiced out that SBMA Telecommunications Department is in favor of the immediate implementation of “ONE RATE, ONE PROVINCE.” He further stated that this policy is in fact MANDATORY for PTEs to comply with.

10. Mr. Rossano C. Danoog Manager of Subictel and Piltel gave their stand on the issue. He stated that PILTEL and SUBICTEL will be willing to implement the “One Rate, One Province” Policy but they are concerned that if other Telecom player in the province will not follow suit, it will mean revenue lost for PILTEL for they will be paying Interconnection fees to other player when a call is made with other provider. He suggested that a similar hearing be made together with other Telecom player in the province for a unified implementation of the said policy. He also reported that PILTEL subscriber where given a choice whether they like to subscribe to flat rate or metered service.

11. On his part Hon. Ramon Lacbain II reported that 2 years ago the provincial board have conducted a hearing regarding the said issue which was attended Telecom player in the province such as Piltel, Digitel, and PLDT unfortunately the said issue was over taken by the advent of Mobile phone. He also expresses gratitude to the City of Olongapo especially to Hon. Edwin J. Piano for reviving the implementation of the said policy. He suggested a joint public hearing to be conducted by the Sangunaing Panlalawigan and Olongapo City Council.

12. Hon. Edwin J. Piano asked Mr. Danoog if he can decide regarding the implementation of the One Rate, one Province policy. Mr. Danoog replied that he couldn’t decide outright because it will mean lost of revenue to PILTEL. He further said that he will discuss the matter with PILTEL top management and to the Board as well and its for them to decide

13. Mr. Dennis Dela Peña reported that as part of the conditions on SubicTel application for rate increase in SBMA they are required to implement the said NTC memorandum. He also reiterate that the memorandum should be implemented by Telecom provider whether they like it or not and there is no need to summon all telecom players in the province for its implementation.

14. Mr. Dela Paz also reiterates their support for the aspiration of Olongapo and Zambales in its quest for the implementation of the NTC memorandum. He also added that PLDT, Piltel, Subictel have already compatible programming system for the immediate implementation of the policy. He also clarify that the public must not suffer for any interconnection incompatibility of telecom service provider.

15. Engr. Ebue suggested that PILTEL, SubicTel and PLDT being under one company should talk within themselves to fast track the implementation of NTC policy.

16. Hon. Noel Y. Atienza suggested that there must be a uniform provision from the City of Olongapo and Zambales regarding the issue of one rate, one province.

17. Vice Governor Ramon Lacbain II suggested that the Provincial Board and the City Council of Olongapo must have the same provision regarding one rate, one province. He also request for a copy of a resolution that the City Council will pass regarding this matter so that he will sponsor same resolution in the Provincial Board. He also advice Mr. Danoog to convince PILTEL Board to immediately implement the policy specially in the area being serviced by PILTEL.

18. With regards to Rules/Policy of Cell Sites and Tower applications Hon. Edwin J. Piano reported co-location fees on cell site impose by SBMA Telecoms is Php.400.00 per square meter with a maximum area 150 square meter while the City Government charge only Php.70.00 per square meter.

19. Hon. Edwin J. Piano requested Ms. Marlene Gaña, Site Acquisition Officer of Mohave to report their on-going projects here in Olongapo City. Ms. Marlene Gaña reported there are Four (4) proposed projects in Olongapo City. These are located in Brgy. Sta. Rita, Brgy. East Tapinac, Brgy. Kalaklan, Brgy. Barretto and other 2 projects in SBMA located in Binictican and Forest Hills.

20. Ms. Gaña also reported that their proposed project in East Tapinac at the back of Gordon College will not push through, instead, they are proposing to construct a Mono-Pole Tower at the roof top of SAVERS MART. She also reported that SBMA is asking for PHP 55,000.00 monthly co-location fees. While in Olongapo they are paying PHP 5,000 to Php 10,000 monthly fees, mostly to private land-owners.

21. Hon. Rolen Paulino suggest informed all cell-site providers to be aware of the Hazards that Telecom Tower might bring to the people of Olongapo because he believe Telecom towers are favorite target of saboteurs like the CPP-NPA. Lastly, he urges them to comply with all the necessary requirements.

22. Hon. Edwin J. Piano suggested imposing inspection/surpervision fee as additional requirements to be used for inspection expenses. He also reported that the Telecom Board is planning an inspection together with the City Mayor to look for a location for the proposed Telecom Antenna Farm.

23. The Chairman asked Mr. Ramir T. Ballesteros, SMART Field Engineer regarding their experience in applying for cell sites in terms of requirements here in Olongapo City and from other cities or provinces. Mr. Baleesteros reported that it is a case-to-case basis. In terms of fee on co-location, the lease of the land depends its prevailing fair market value, approximately the lease of the land is from Php.5,000.00 to Php.7,000.00.

24. Mr. Arturo reported 3 projects of Smart in Olongapo City located at Brgy. Cabalan, Brgy. Pag-asa in Gordon Avenue, and Saver’s Mart rooftop. He also declared that all of their projects have no permit yet.

25. Mr. German Ebue suggest to have a standard rate in co-location using private land or property and provide the Olongapo City Telecom Board the standard rate they are using.


26. The Chairman inquired if it is possible and/or if there are instances where Smart and Globe have cell-site in one single tower. The Smart engineer replied that it is indeed possible but rarely happens. Hon. Edwin J. Piano requested to representatives of Smart and Globe to furnish the Telecom-Board of Olongapo City their existing towers and cell sites in greensfields and on top of existing buildings.

27. Calendar of next meeting January 31, 2004 at 9:00 am

28. With no other matter to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 11:09 am


Prepared by:

Mark Anthony Orpiano
and Jerico Ballon
Secretariat

MINUTES of 2nd Telecom Board Meeting

Republic of the Philippines
TELECOM BOARD
OLONGAPO CITY

2nd Telecom Board Meeting
January 17, 2004
9:00 Am
Session Hall


PRESENT:

Hon. Edwin J. Piano Chairman
Mr. Leonardo C.Perez Member (Telecommunications Expert)
Engr. German E. Ebue Member (Electronics & Communications Expert)
Mr. Danilo J. Piano Member (IT Expert)
Atty. Manuel Quijano Member (Legal Advisor)
Mr. Mark Anthony Orpiano Board Secretariat


OTHERS:

Mr. Oscar DE. Agustin City Assessor
Mr. Jerico Ballon Legislative Assistant, City Council
Ms. Marilene D. Gaña Mohave Inc. (Site Acquisition Executive)


EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF MEETING

1. The meeting was called to order 9:10am. Board Chairman Edwin Piano presided.

2. The Agenda was adopted as read.

3. With no correction, the minutes of the 1st board meeting was adopted.

4. Hon.Edwin J. Piano suggests to the Board that the draft Guidelines / Internal Rules for Olongapo City Telecom Board will be discussed on the next meeting.

5. Engr. German Ebue updates the Board regarding on the Merlin PABX System project. Engr. Ebue and Mr. Perez also inform the board of a plan to divide the PABX/MIS room and part will become office of PLEB. Hon. Edwin J. Piano advised Engr. Ebue to provide a layout of floor plan to be discussed on the next meeting.

6. Mr. Perez and Engr. Ebue submitted and reported the draft Policy on Mobile Phone Cellsites and Tower Application in Olongapo City to Board. Hon. Edwin J. Piano suggested that the draft Policy submitted to board is still subject for review and will be discuss on the next meeting. Chairman also added that if the cellular company has already constructed without complying with the requirements, Board should penalize the company or the operator.

7. Mr. Oscar DE. Agustin from City Assessor reported the fee schedule for cell sites using government land base under the City Ordinance # 2 Series Revenue Code of 2002. Mr. Agustin stated in his report that fee schedule was made for real property tax collection and not for rental that’s why he also suggest to the board to create a fee schedule. The Board agreed to that suggestion and come up with a decision to create a “ FIX RATE” per square meter.

8. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Danny Piano’s report regarding high cost of internet service in Olongapo City be discussed on the next meeting. he also request Mr. Piano to have a comparative data on the said matter

9. The board agreed to conduct a public hearing with Telecom Service Provider, business Group, Brgy. Officials and other concerned on January 24, 2005 at 9 in the morning. Among the agenda will be : 1) One Telephone Rate, One Province and 2) Fee Schedule for Telecom tower using Government land. The chairman also suggested inviting Vice-Governor Ramon Lacbain of Zambales being one of the originator of One Telephone Rate, One Province implementation.

10. In this connection the Chairman suggest for a meeting with SBMA Telecom to discuss agenda for Monday’s public hearing

11. Ms. Marilene Gaña Site Acquisition Executive of Mohave Consultancy gave her report on the progress of their application to build and operate telecom tower in Olongapo City. In this regard, the Chairman expresses dissatisfaction on Mohave for their poor performance on their Public Hearing at Brgy. Sta. Rita and at Gordon College. He stressed that with the negative feedback that he got of Mohave representative handling of the public hearing, the attendees of the said hearing rejected having a telecom tower in their area fearing that radiation from the tower will be hazardous to their health, which will surely affect the advancement of telecom technology in the city.

12. With this regard the Chairman instructed Mohave to always update the board on the progress of their projects and also inform the board before they any public hearing in Olongapo City

13. Calendar of next meeting January 24, 2004 at 9:00 am

14. With no other matter to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 am


Prepared by:


Mark Anthony Orpiano
and Jerico Ballon
Secretariat

NTC orders cable operators to close chat rooms

By Clarissa Batino Inquirer News Service

THE NATIONAL Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered cable operators to shut down all chat rooms in reaction to complaints that some of these had become sex channels.

The NTC order, dated Jan. 20, immediately called for the suspension of all chat rooms until a new set of guidelines is approved. Recently, police detained a businessman for allegedly operating a cybersex facility in Las Pinas City.

NTC chair Ronald Solis said he would meet this week with operators such as the Philippine Cable Television Association and the Federation of International Cable TV Associations of the Philippines to draft guidelines aimed at preventing abuses on cable chat channels.

Cable operators turn idle channels into chat rooms or community billboards.
Solis said some chat room operators were not regulating the use of profane language or explicit messages in their facilities. Some messages openly solicit sex, he added.

Police Monday also said it discovered what could be indications of money laundering based on confiscated evidence from the office of Aloysious M. Galvez, owner of Orgasmic Studios in Pilar Village, Las Pi¤as City, which was raided Friday.

Supt. Michel Filar, of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR), said transaction records between Orgasmic Studios Inc. and several local and foreign banks were discovered after the raid by the CIDG-NCR and local police.

Filart, however, refused to give details. "We are now coordinating with members of the Anti-Money Laundering Act Council (AMLAC) in connection with our investigation of Galvez's activities," he said.

The Amlac also promised to help if violations of the electronic commerce law are included in the "predicate offenses," Filart added.

Police also said Galvez's outfit reportedly maintained links with several web page networks based in the United States. "The internal protocol address was found to be linked to several US web pages featuring internet photography," Filart said.

He added that a big telecommunications company gave the police full support by providing them information needed in carrying out the raid at Orgasmic Studios located at Daisy and Lead Streets, Pilar Village. The outfit allegedly had 14 studios providing Internet sex.

Galvez, now detained at the Las Pi¤as City jail, is facing charges of violating Republic Act No. 9028, also known as the Anti-Trafficking of Persons Act.
Filart said that Galvez's lucrative business had been operating for more than a year.

The women, allegedly hired for cybersex, earned as high as P200,000 a month, police said.