Gen.
“We don’t see any security risk, it’s very low and we find it better that they are inside because we could have unannounced inspections. We could inspect them at midnight,” Gapay told reporters in a video news conference.
Dito was accepted by the Philippine government as the third major player in the local telecom industry. The company is controlled by Filipino businessman
Critics and some lawmakers have raised concerns that
Chinese officials have accused
Dito officials have said such fears over possible espionage are misplaced, saying the Philippine company has invested heavily on cybersecurity and would never be a threat to the country's national security.
Dito is negotiating to set up communication towers and equipment at 22 sites in a proposal the military will closely scrutinize, Gapay said. The two other major Philippine telecom companies have set up towers and equipment in military areas after hurdling the same military review, he said.
Telecommunication towers have been erected in military-controlled areas in the past for security. Communist and Muslim guerrillas have bombed and toppled down such towers, including government-maintained power transmission towers.
The military uses a classified communication system to link up units across the country, Gapay said, adding that the military has established cybersecurity units to protect its communication system.
The Philippine military, meanwhile, plans to obtain radars and drones from
“It is really a potential flashpoint in this part of the globe,” Gapay said.
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