The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered telecommunications companies to ensure continuity of services despite heavy rains and strong winds caused by severe tropical storm Kristine.

In a statement, the NTC said it issued a memorandum on October 21 in anticipation of Kristine’s entry into the Philippine Area of ​​Responsibility (PAR).

In its memorandum, the telecommunications regulator called on public telecommunications entities (PTEs) “to take measures to ensure the continuity of telecommunications services to the Filipino public.”

The NTC, in particular, ordered PTEs to provide sufficient personnel, backup generators with additional fuel, necessary tools and spare equipment to the storm-affected areas.

The agency also tapped PTEs to ensure rapid repair and restoration of services in the event of disruptions caused by the weather disruptions.

PTEs were also ordered to activate “Libreng Tawag” and “Libreng Charging Stations” in areas that will be affected by Kristine.

Citing reports from PTEs, the NTC said telecommunications companies reported service outages in the provinces of Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas.

Telecommunications service outages occurred in CALABARZON and Northern Luzon areas.

“The main reason for these telecommunications service disruptions was commercial power outages, which were either preemptively initiated by power companies/electric cooperatives or caused naturally by the typhoon,” the NTC said.

Globe Telecom, for its part, reported outages of 75 to 92 percent of its services in Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay and Camarines Norte.

Meanwhile, Smart Communications flagged the difficult challenge posed by severe flooding in the Bicol region that has hampered its restoration efforts.

Smart also reported to the NTC that 21 families from Daet, Camarines Norte, were sheltered amid this calamity at a PLDT cable landing station.

Likewise, Dito Telecommunity reported outages in Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Converge also reported service interruptions in Bicol Region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Cordillera Region, Eastern Visayas and Ilocos Region.

The NTC said generators had been deployed to temporarily provide power to the grid.

The agency said some restoration efforts were delayed due to impassable flooded roads.

“As of October 23 at 4 p.m., Globe reported 12% and 17% restoration in Leyte and Southern Leyte so far,” the NTC said.

“Converge also reported a 32% restoration of total affected areas as of 6:00 p.m. on October 23,” the statement added.

The telecoms regulator said PTEs have already placed necessary personnel on standby in severely affected areas, awaiting safe deployment to carry out rapid repairs and rectifications.

“For areas where it is safe to make repairs, service restoration efforts are already underway to minimize service downtime,” the NTC said.

Additionally, SpaceX Starlink has also extended to the NTC its offer of assistance in the form of Starlink Internet services that Filipino first responders can use during rescue and relief operations.

“In addition, the PLDT Smart Group indicated that it is preparing to deploy relief goods with PLDT and Smart volunteers and the Alagang Kapatid Foundation,” it said.

The NTC said it was closely monitoring the situation and, with the utmost cooperation of the PTEs, was working to restore telecommunication services as quickly as possible so that those affected could stay in touch with their loved ones. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News