Proper ICT usage useful in emergency situations says Angara

SENATE OFFICE, Manila, March 20, 2011-Senator Edgardo J. Angara, chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology remarked that Information Communication Technology (ICT) proper usage in the increasing usefulness of social networking sites and other modern forms of communication are useful during emergency situations where the communication lines serve as lifelines for emergency response.

In today’s wake up call for all the disasters that hits the different part of the world, the Senator furthered that ICT over the past decade have given us so many ways to keep in contact with each other and the rest of the world where he cited online people finders for those still missing in disaster-stricken areas, continuous news feeds in Twitter and Facebook from news outfits, as well as emergency hotlines that are created to facilitate cross-country communication for our OFWs.

“There are also relief organizations which set up information pages with links to online maps, local emergency numbers, and a list of donation options for those who want to give monetary aid,” Angara cited.

“However, to help Japan and other affected areas people should also be wary of false websites asking for donations. They use the name of known charity organizations and ask internet users to deposit money into fake accounts,” he furthered.

Angara warned the public that these scammers try to take advantage of gullible internet users who are eager to help in whatever way possible. “They would lose their hard-earned money, plus there is also an added risk of identity theft if they submit personal information,” he added.

Angara who authored Senate bill 52 otherwise known as Cybercrime prevention act have heavy penalties for internet fraud and identity theft where it is now pending in the Senate and for discussion at the plenary. (Jason de Asis)