MANILA, Philippines — False alarm.
The “Welcome to China” and “Welcome to Vietnam” text messages to users in Pag-asa Island were sent by the cellular provider’s roaming partners, a spokesperson from a telecommunication firm explained Wednesday.
During a televised briefing, Smart Communications spokesperson Ramon Isberto said the operators from its roaming partners in Vietnam and China have signals in the said area.
“The signals that were received noong pumunta yung grupo doon sa Pag-asa Island, these were signals from the mobile operators in Vietnam and China who are our roaming partners,” Isberto said.
(The signals were received when the group went to Pag-asa Island, these were signals from the mobile operators in Vietnam and China who are our roaming partners.)
“Merong signal po yung mga operators doon, in that area of the West Philippine Sea, particularly in that area around Pag-asa Island. Kaya na-pick up po nila yung signal at nakatanggap po sila ng roaming welcome message,” he further said.
(The operators have signals there, in that area of the West Philippine Sea, particularly in the area around Pag-asa Island. This is why their signal picked it up and received a roaming welcome message.)
Isberto also earlier reportedly said that the cellular provider’s cell site in the island was down.
Among those who received the welcome greetings were members of the press and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana who visited the island for a beaching ramp’s inauguration aimed at aiding the delivery of materials.