Internet service providers (ISPs) were ordered by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to block 26 websites that are apparently related to communist terrorist groups (CTG).

NTC Commissioner Gameliel Cordoba is requiring all ISPs in the Philippines to submit an action report within five days after they receive the memorandum that was dated June 8.

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The memorandum writes that ISPs are “hereby directed to effect the immediate blocking of the reported websites found to be affiliated to and are supporting terrorist and terrorist organizations.”

This memorandum was released after Hermogenes Esperon Jr., National Security Adviser, requested the NTC to block the said 26 websites. Some of which apparently have ties with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its head, Jose Maria Sison.

In a letter addressed to Cordoba, Esporon expressed that the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) has designated the CPP, National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), and New People’s Army (NPA) as terrorist groups.

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“The activities, in terms of recruitment, funding, and propaganda, of these communist terrorist organizations, should be stopped,” says Esperon.

The security adviser noted that Facebook and Twitter have already started cracking down on the accounts owned by CTGs.

However, Esperon said that the said groups have created a “pervasive online presence,” as their websites contain “propaganda and misinformation campaigns in order to malign the Philippine government, recruit new members, and solicit funds from local and international sources.”

“In this regard, may we request the NTC to issue legal instruments to order Philippine ISPs to block access to the following websites affiliated to and are supporting these terrorist and terrorist organizations,” Esperon said.

VIa: PNA

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