malaysiang
Northern Mindanao – The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) – Region 10 has issued a cease and desist order (CDO) for five radio stations operating under the Fairwaves Broadcasting Network in Northern Mindanao, following the expiration of their franchise.
According to Philippines News Agency, NTC – Region 10 Director Teodoro Buenavista Jr. explained that Fairwaves applied for a franchise renewal in 2018, but it was not advanced from the committee level in the House of Representatives. Fairwaves originally received a 25-year franchise in 1995 under Republic Act 8113. An NTC decision earlier this year recommended recalling the frequencies assigned to Fairwaves, affecting 30 stations nationwide, including those in Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.
Most stations under Fairwaves are branded as Radyo Bandera. Notably, Radyo Bandera Iligan was among 14 businesses recently closed down by local authorities for operating without a business permit. Despite the CDO, DXFI FM Radyo Bandera in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, under manager Jeoffrey Baconga, claims their operations will continue unaffected due to an agreement with a new franchise operator, Palawan Broadcasting. Sultan Lope, CEO of the Radyo Bandera network, is reportedly aware of the NTC decision, and all Bandera stations are expected to transition to operating under Palawan Broadcasting, moving away from Fairwaves.
