Globe, the country’s mobile leader, has significantly ramped up its efforts to combat cyber threats by deactivating and blocking an increasing number of SIMs engaged in malicious activities.

In the first quarter of 2024 alone, the company blacklisted 36,549 SIMs from other networks, a 62% spike compared to the 22,455 competitor SIMs blocked during the same period last year.

The drastic year-on-year increase underscores Globe’s intensified campaign to identify and take down errant SIMs involved in SMS spam blasts, online fraud schemes, and other illicit activities.

Globe also deactivated 841 SIMs from its network in Q1 2024 after they were identified as potential sources of spam or scam SMS, or misuse. This figure marks a 30% year-on-year increase from the 647 Globe SIMs deactivated in Q1 2023.

“We have zero tolerance for abusive SIMs that undermine network security and compromise customer experience. Our accelerated deactivation efforts demonstrate our unwavering resolve to fight these cybersecurity threats head-on,” said Anton Bonifacio, Globe’s Chief Information Security Officer.

SIM abuse cases are detected through Globe’s monitoring systems and customer reports via its Stop Spam portal. The company promptly deactivates those SIMs to safeguard its customers and service quality.

Given the risk these SIMs pose to personal and financial information, Globe urges customers to remain alert. This includes steering clear of unfamiliar links, disregarding requests for personal details or one-time PINs, and promptly reporting any dubious messages via the Stop Spam portal.

The company’s offensive against compromised SIMs is part of its cybersecurity measures to detect and neutralize malicious SMS traffic more effectively. Globe has also partnered with other industry players including telcos, banks, online retail platforms, and concerned government agencies in threat intelligence sharing.

“Cybersecurity demands continuous effort and investment to stay ahead of emerging threats. Our intensified deactivation of rogue SIMs reaffirms our commitment to delivering a secure and anxiety-free experience for Globe customers,” said Bonifacio.

With a multi-pronged strategy of technological upgrades, industry collaboration, and customer education, Globe seeks to fortify its cybersecurity posture and maintain leadership in protecting consumers from spam, scams, and other cyber threats.
Globe works closely with stakeholders to battle fraud. It has partnered with government agencies, including the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG), to jointly clamp down on fraudsters. Collaboration with law enforcers has led to successful operations against cybercriminals.

Globe customers may support the campaign against fraud by exercising vigilance and reporting cases via Globe’s Stop Spam portal or the PNP ACG via 0968 867 4302.
Globe also calls on mobile phone users to be wary of emerging fraud tactics occurring outside telco networks, such as scam messages sent via over-the-top messaging apps and spoofing. There have been rising cases of scams sent via chat apps and spoofing, costing victims their hard-earned money. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) has spearheaded a two-day capability-building training for a homeowners association in Barangay Cabalawan, this city.

The first day, conducted last Thursday (April 25) focused on leadership training–writeshop designed to revisit and reconstruct the constitution and by-laws of the homeowners association in Ridgeview, Brgy. Cabalawan.

The need for said training is crucial, especially of the changes brought about by government infrastructures and developmental projects that affect the informal settler families.

Meanwhile, a livelihood skills training will be conducted this Saturday (April 27). The main goal of this training is to equip unprivileged families by allowing them to acquire capabilities, discover opportunities, and enlarge the people’s choices by using it to their advantage.

The mentioned trainings are part of the social preparation program by the PCUP which aims to increase awareness of the urban poor on the laws, programs, and services offered to them.

It also encourages families to actively participate and prepare for their responsibilities in the quest for tenurial security, employment, basic services, and livelihood.

(JANUS CAMILLE A. BERDAN, LEYTE NORMAL UNIVERSITY STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY– The City Veterinary Office (CVO)here took part in a two-day basic orientation on human and animal rabies at Hotel Rodolfo last April 18–19, 2024.

Organized by the Department of Health (DOH), the event aimed to provide local stakeholders with vital knowledge and strategies in the ongoing fight against rabies.
Dr. Johdel Ty, representing city veterinary officer Dr. Eunice Alcantara during the event’s second day, presented the veterinary office’s achievements in animal control and anti-rabies programs last year.

This engagement underscores the city’s commitment to addressing rabies-related challenges through informed action.

Highlighting the severity of the situation, the DOH emphasized the ongoing public health concern posed by rabies in Eastern Visayas.

The disease, which is both preventable and fatal, continues to be transmitted primarily through dog or cat bites, necessitating urgent intervention.

The DOH reported that there were 11 fatalities in the region last year due to rabies.
The health agency urged the public, particularly those bitten by an animal, to have an early consultation, completion of post-exposure prophylaxis, and responsible pet ownership practices, including a 14-day observation period for biting animals.

“Rabies continues to be a public health problem in Eastern Visayas. It is a disease caused by a virus and is transferable to humans (zoonotic disease), and dogs are the common transmitters of this disease, which is 100% preventable and 100% fatal,” the DOH said.
During the first quarter of 2024, the Tacloban City Veterinary Office’s intensified efforts against rabies has made significant accomplishments in combating rabies.

By conducting mass dog vaccinations and offering basic veterinary care, they successfully immunized 6,484 dogs and cats in 42 barangays out of the city’s total 138. Additionally, 460 were dewormed, 229 animals were neutered, with 23 animals receiving spaying services during the same period.

Residents were urged to take advantage of the mass dog vaccination schedules organized by the CVO for the remaining days of April, targeting various barangays. These include Brgy. 110 Utap (April 22-23, 2024), Brgy. 96 Calanipawan (April 24-25, 2024), Brgy. 81 Marasbaras (April 26, 2024), Brgy. 82 Marasbaras (April 29, 2024), and Brgy 83-B Cogon, San Jose (April 30, 2024).

The city’s first quarter accomplishments in 2024 reflect its commitment to providing free anti-rabies vaccination and spay/neuter services, underscoring the importance of proactive measures in ensuring community health and safety. (MISSY G. TUBIANOSA,LEYTE NORMAL STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY– The provincial office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Eastern Samar has turned over five boxes of multi-purpose grain solar speed drying trays, (known as portasol) to the Malaintos Organic Rice Association of Farmers (MORFA) in Dolores town on Friday(April 26).

MORFA is known in the community for the production of indigenous rice-based products such as pop rice, rice pinyato, rice puto, rice salukara, and others.

The portasol will be a huge help to the post-harvest capacity, improve the storage process of raw material, and additional processing equipment to their newly constructed production facility provided by the municipal government of Dolores and by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

According to the DOST, the portasol drying trays, an innovation of a Filipino inventor, are designed to be used in the production of various types of ‘grain-based’ agricultural products, using solar energy. This technology has helped improve the quality of agricultural products and reduce post-harvest losses.

Efren Lazara, MORFA president, expressed gratitude for the support and assistance provided by the DOST.

The said initiative is a demonstration of DOST’s commitment to empowering local farmers to develop innovative methods of farming and livelihood opportunities.
(MIYLENE C. CATUBAY, EASTERN SAMAR STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY-The provincial government of Northern Samar are now in the midst of preparation for its 59th founding anniversary on June 19.

Some of the major events and activities lined up for the month-long celebration include the Mutya san Ibabao 2024, showcasing the true essence of the Ibabaonon beauty and substance; festival dance competition, to showcase performances that represent the distinct essence of each municipality; and the 2nd Agri-Tourism, to display the produce of the local farmers in the province.

Asia’s Popstar Royalty, Sarah Geronimo and her husband, Matteo Guidicelli, are one of the most awaited celebrities that will grace the event.

The celebration will start on May 19, 2024.
(MAVEL ANGEL J.GOMBA, LEYTE NORMAL UNIVERSITY STUDENT INTERN)