The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) conducted a nationwide Cell Broadcast alert test at 14:00 as scheduled, warning the public to be cautious of scammers impersonating officials to trick users into clicking links.
Regarding the DDPM's plan to test the nationwide Cell Broadcast alert system at 14:00 on 20 Jan 2026, a warning tone on mobile phones lasting about 8 seconds was expected.Read more: Reminder, today at 2 PM the nationwide Cell Broadcast alert test will take place.)
At the scheduled time of 14:00, people received an alert message on their phone screens stating: “
National Alert
DDPM is conducting a nationwide alert test (Nationwide Test) on 20-01-2026 at 14:00:00. This is a test alert, not a real situation, from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). Please do not panic. This is a test message from DDPM, not a real emergency. No action required. DDPM.”
During this alert test, many people captured screenshots of the alert on their phones and excitedly shared them on social media using the hashtag #cellbroadcast.
Additionally, social media warnings reminded the public that the Cell Broadcast alert system test did not include any links to click or requests for personal information; people should remain vigilant against scammers.