Lozada denies opposing Dito cell sites in military camps

MANILA, Philippines — Whistle-blower Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada Jr. has denied reports implicating that he is against putting up Dito Telecommunity cell sites in military camps as it may pose security risks.

“It’s a decision made by our Armed Forces so who am I to ever dispute that? I had enough of me taking a position,” Lozada said in a phone interview yesterday.

“Technology is basically neutral. It’s always the motivation that will lend it its character. Telecoms facilities inside camps, if the ones who will use that will have bad intentions, naturally then they can use that for bad motives,” he added.

Lozada was interviewed by Infinite Radio Calbayog last June 24 and was asked to comment about allowing third telco player Dito to build cell sites in military camps.

“Maybe we can put it this way, if you know already that there is gasoline beside you, you will not cook near that,” Lozada said in the interview.

“So the same way, in military camps where you talk about sensitive information and you want it to be safe, don’t put there things that may compromise these sensitive information,” he said.

Infinite Radio Calbayog, in a disclaimer posted in its Facebook page, said Lozada “did not, in any way, accuse or utter any negative remarks against Dito Telecommunity” during the June 24 interview.

Dito, owned by the group of Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy and state-owned China Telecom, has earlier disputed claims that it would be a security risk should it be allowed to build towers in military camps.

The company last year signed an agreement with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that would allow the telco to build towers inside military camps.

The memorandum of agreement with the AFP contained additional provisions pertaining to commitments of Dito to national security, in addition to the safeguards already put in place by the AFP that includes the entry of foreign nationals, regular inspections and security audits.

The agreement states that the moment an issue regarding spying or getting classified information arises, the agreement would be terminated immediately.