70 2020 Annual Report on the Human Rights Situation in the Philippines LGUs tied up with private telecom mun icat ions provider SMART Communications to use a web-based SMS platform to send out updates via text broadcasts to keep their residents informed about the pandemic situation.299 247 Several key developments were observed by the CHR as having an impact on the ability of the members of the populace to receive timely information on COVID-19. 248 The Telegram (TG) StratComm is part of the IATF National Task Force (NTF) expanded organization that produces and distributes content such as risk communications, current operations, private media relations and news monitoring, trend tracking, and analysis. The TG StratComm continuously disseminates information materials with “Bayanihan, we heal as one, solidarity” as its main message. These materials are distributed through multimedia platforms such as broadcast news, press releases, radio plugs, news and feature reports, photo releases, among others. Below is the summary of materials released by PCOO and its attached agencies:300 Materials released/shared (24 March–10 May 2020) No. of Materials Released Broadcast news 20,252 Live broadcast interviews 4,788 Informational videos 12,924 Radio plugs Public service announcements (PNA and PIA) 182 6,034 News and feature reports 28,771 Photo releases 20,263 Social media cards and infographics 24,299 Balita Central digital tabloid 35 Townhall meeting with PIOs 12 Kwentuhan with OFWs 6,665 Source: PCOO 249 The NTF COVID-19 is directed to develop necessary operational plans to mitigate and contain the transmission of COVID-19, and to mobilize the provision of basic necessities 299 SMART, LGUs expand COVID-19 info dissemination with Smart Infocast, available at https://smart.com.ph/About/ newsroom/press-releases/2020/04/29/lgus-expand-COVID-19-info-dissemination-with-smart-infocast, accessed 25 June 2020. 300 National Disaster Risk and Reduction and Management Council, National Task Force Coronavirus Disease-2019 Situational Report No. 173, 21 September 2020, available at http://www.ndrrmc.gov.ph/attachments/article/4036/ National_Task_force_CORONAVIRUS_Disease_2019_issued_on_21September2020.pdf, accessed 22 September 2020.