国内英语新闻:Philippines disconnects mobile phone signals during Black Nazarene feast

MANILA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Philippine telecommunication companies cut off the signal of mobile phones in parts of Manila where millions of people are expected to converge for the feast of the Black Nazarene on Monday.

Philippine Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the move was part of the precautionary measures that the government has been undertaking following terror threats.

"Malacanang (Palace) confirms that the government asked the telcoms to temporarily disconnect their services in the route of the Black Nazarene procession as part of the security measures agreed upon during the meeting on Sunday," she said in a regular news briefing.

She said that the disruption in mobile services would last for the entire duration of the procession of the Black Nazarene.

She admitted that the signal of the cellular phones was disconnected in the past, and terrorists used the mobile phones as triggering device for bombs.

Asked if the government considered the possible losses of telecommunication firms due to the disconnection of signals, Valte said, "as holders of a franchise, the public safety is paramount."

President Benigno Aquino III personally warned on Sunday the public to be cautious in joining the feast of the Black Nazarene amid possible terrorist attacks. The government is expecting 9 million devotees to participate in the celebration.

The Black Nazarene is the patron saint of Quiapo church. The statue was brought to Manila by a Spanish priest in 1607. It was aboard a ship that caught fire, the image was burned, and it came to be known as the "Black Nazarene" which people have since decided to preserve and honor.