PLDT, Smart begin setting up free call, free charging stations in Albay amid Mayon unrest

As of 8am today, PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications has begun operating #LibrengTawag, #LibrengCharging, and #LibrengWiFi stations for residents within the vicinity of Mayon Volcano as PHIVOLCS raises the Alert to Level 3 amid signs of eruption.

As of June 12, free calls, charging, and WiFi booths have been set up at several evacuation areas, now occupied by 600 families within the six-kilometer danger zone. The booths aim to serve the communication needs of affected residents from the following areas:

1. San Jose Elementary School in Brgy. San Jose Malilipot, Albay

2. Bariw National Highschool in Camalig, Albay

"The services of PLDT and Smart remain stable and operational in the areas affected by the recent unrest at Mayon Volcano. We have already deployed mission-critical equipment and personnel within the vicinity even before the eruption to assure our customers of zero disruption in our services," said Cathy Yang, First Vice-President and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.

The PLDT Group continues to work with local governments and disaster response authorities in areas in danger, to continuously provide communication aid amid Mayon's recent unrest.

PLDT and Smart urge everyone to take necessary precautions, including activating their emergency cell broadcast system (eCBS) on their mobile devices, and heed the alerts and warnings of local governments and disaster response authorities.