Malacanang on Monday ordered telecommunications companies to temporarily shut off cellphone signals in Quiapo and along the route of the Black Nazarene procession as part of the government’s security measure against terrorist attacks.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Nicanor Bartolome said the order will prevent alleged terrorists from communicating with each other during the procession. This can also prevent cellphones from being used as detonators on explosive devices.

The route of the Black Nazarene procession covers a large part of Manila, from Luneta to Quiapo church. The PNP have doubled the number of police personnel deployed in Quiapo from 4,000 to 8,000. There has been no indication when the cellphone signals will be restored.

[Source: GMA News]